Federal Gun-Selling Charges Brought Against Dawson, Wardlaw, Monroes

Thursday, June 28, 2012

New federal charges have been brought against the man authorities say sold the gun to the man charged with killed Sgt. Tim Chapin as well as three other men.

A new 21-page indictment names Kevin Dawson as well as Jack Wardlaw and Carl and Richard Monroe.

It says they sold firearms without getting a license "to avoid government oversight, tax consequences and the necessity for making background checks before selling firearms."

The indictment says they advertised in publications, business cards and word of mouth.

It says:

in January 2009, Wardlaw invested at least $15,000 with Dawson in the firearms business

On April 18, 2009, Dawson purchased multiple firearms from Austin Crow III

In March 2010, Wardlaw purchased multiple firearms from Yogey's Bunker

On Sept. 10, 2010, Dawson purchased multiple firearms from Globo Loan.

On Jan. 20, 2011, and Feb. 17, 2011, Richard Monroe purchased multiple firearms from AAAA Pawn Shop and Trading Post.

The indictments list dates that those charged allegedly sold firearms to individuals.  

It was also charged that Dawson lied to authorities during a bankruptcy case.

It lists 323 weapons allegedly handled by the group and asks that they be forfeited or, if sold, there be a "substitute" forfeiture.

Prosecutor Terra Bay said the gun-selling conspiracy carries up to five years in federal prison. One of the charges carries up to 20 years.

Dawson is represented by Lee Ortwein, Wardlaw by Jerry Summers and Richard Monroe by Mike Caputo. Carl Monroe received a court-appointed attorney.

All were released on bond.

Trial date is Aug. 20. 


State Medical Board Puts Down Fines Against DesJarlais For Sex With Patients

The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners has assessed fines against Congressman Scott DesJarlais for being a medical doctor and having sexual relations with two patients. A 7-page consent order said the incidents occurred in 2000. He was fine $250 each for the two patients. Also, he must pay up to $1,000 for costs of the investigation. Click here to read the board order. (click for more)

Funeral Service Will Be Saturday For Murder Victim Tammy Hale

Funeral services will be Saturday for 35-year-old Tammy Hale, whose battered body was found last Sunday at the home she shared on Lovell Road with Terry Releford. Releford later was tracked by authorities to a motel in Calhoun, Ga. He killed himself before officers could reach him. Ms. Hale was the manager of Liberty Tax Service in Hixson. Family members said, "She was ... (click for more)

Thanks, Sheriff

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Department is very responsive and professional out in Apison, and I appreciate that.  We have some fine deputies serving Hamilton County.    I took a minute to call and tell them thank you, I hope my neighbors will also. Brian Wood Apison (click for more)

Roy Exum: Hypocrisy And Horses

I am still wincing over the fact a horrendous bill passed in the state legislature that would make whistle-blowers into criminals would have actually gone into law had it not been for Governor Bill Haslam’s eleventh-hour veto. Called the “Ag-Gag bill,” similar efforts in other states have also soured because it is no more than a Catch-22 trick to protect those who abuse animals, ... (click for more)

Ooltewah Hires Massey To Take Over Softball Program

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – While the prep athletic spotlight is on Spring Fling, Ooltewah High School managed to make news Thursday afternoon. Jon Massey, who formerly played and coached baseball at Ooltewah High School, has been hired as the Lady Owls’ new softball coach. Massey, who turns 49 next month, replaces veteran Norma Nelson, who was fired on May 14 after 20 years ... (click for more)

Decatur County Routs Silverdale, 18-1, To Set Up Class A Do-Or-Die Game

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The three-time defending state champion isn’t ready to give up its Class A baseball dynasty. The Decatur County Riverside Panthers unleashed a devastating 13-hit attack, led by Alex Whitwell’s 5-for-5 performance that included five RBIs, scored eight runs in the second inning and crushed Silverdale Baptist Academy, 18-1, Thursday at Middle Tennessee Christian’s ... (click for more)