Pair Get Federal Supervised Release, $12,821 In Restitution For Taking Civil War Shell From Battle Creek

  • Friday, June 12, 2015
Hotchkiss shell
Hotchkiss shell

Two men have been sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to each make $12,821.83 in restitution in connection with taking a Civil War shell from the mouth of Battle Creek near the Tennessee River at South Pittsburg.

Michael Tarpley and William "Butch" Shirley appeared before Federal Judge Curtis Collier.

They pleaded guilty to excavating archaeological resources from public lands without authority in violation of federal law.

Kenneth Fagin and Terry Tate are to be sentenced on July 30.

Charges were dismissed against Victor Holmes.

Prosecutors said the defendants took a Civil War Hotchkiss shell from the site of Fort McCook. A Hotchkiss shell is a three-inch-long armament from the Civil War.

Prosecutors said the group learned of the existence of Civil War artifacts at the bottom of Battle Creek at the site of the fort as early as 2007.

The defendants did not have a permit issued under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act nor did they have authority from TVA to excavate artifacts from Battle Creek, it was stated.

 

 

 

Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 6/24/2025

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report. (If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com ) BARNES,DEXTER ... more

East Ridge Woman Charged After Child Found Wandering Street, Living In Deplorable Conditions
East Ridge Woman Charged After Child Found Wandering Street, Living In Deplorable Conditions
  • 6/23/2025

Britnie Alaine Tester, 35, of 5006 Delaware Dr. in East Ridge, has been charged with child abuse, neglect or endangerment after her young child was found wandering the streets and living in deplorable ... more

County Outlines Actions Taken After Data Breach From Debt Collection Service
  • 6/23/2025

Hamilton County officials have updated actions taken in response to a data breach from a debt collectioni firm used by the county. They said there has been no evidence thus far that anyone's ... more