Timber Theft Suspect Convicted In Bledsoe County

  • Friday, September 24, 2021

A Pikeville man has pleaded guilty to stealing timber from Bledsoe State Forest. 

Agricultural Crime Unit Special Agents with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture in June charged John T. Simmons with timber theft after Simmons was seen loading logs onto a trailer along a forest road.

After a grand jury indictment, he pleaded guilty to all charges, including theft of property, criminal trespass, and vandalism. Simmons will serve one year probation and must pay back the value of the logs and the costs of retrieving the stolen timber.

The ACU and the Division of Forestry worked with Bledsoe County’s law enforcement and district attorney on the case. The stolen logs were part of a salvage sale from timber that was blown down in the area.

“Whether the timber theft is intentional or accidental, on public or private land, it can lead to fines and possible jail time,” ACU Captain Greg Whitehead said. “The estimated value of the 24 stolen logs, in addition to the employee and equipment costs associated with this case, were part of the penalties assessed. Stolen timber can be hard to track, and we were fortunate that Simmons was observed stealing the logs. ACU will follow every lead and use every tool at our disposal to find and prosecute timber thieves.”

ACU is a specialized unit dedicated to investigating and enforcing state laws and regulations related to agriculture, forestry, animal health, and agribusinesses. Visit the ACU’s webpage to learn more, www.tn.gov/agriculture/consumers/ag-crime-unit.

Breaking News
East Ridge Touts Low Tax Rate
  • 7/1/2025

After East Ridge’s annual budget for 2025-2026 was passed on the final reading, Mayor Brian Williams said, “We are excited to hold the property tax rate this year to the certified tax rate provided ... more

City's "Park Within A Park" Set To Expand By Over 13 Acres At Historic Missionary Ridge
City's "Park Within A Park" Set To Expand By Over 13 Acres At Historic Missionary Ridge
  • 7/1/2025

Chattanooga’s commitment to becoming a greener, more sustainable city took a major step forward with the official addition of five acres to its “Park Within a Park” initiative at historic Missionary ... more

Senator Blackburn Hails Senate Passage Of One Big Beautiful Bill Act
  • 7/1/2025

Senator Marsha Blackburn on Tuesday hailed Senate passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. She said, "This legislation delivers the largest tax cut in history, strengthens border security, ... more