[BoCash3]

Alas, it has not stopped.

From all I have experienced and heard from many sources, law enforcement agencies in east Tennessee simply do not care, period !! This is based on police reports and how they are handled, uncaring manners of officers, lack of investigations, lack of follow-through, and the attitude by officers that the victim is "bothering them."

When in doubt, I have always patiently given everyone a second or third chance. The law enforcement agencies of east Tennessee might as well be classified as partners in the crimes.

While I was not given permission to tell the details by the victim, I will say I just had a lengthy conversation with a fly fisherman from NC that just had his late model Chevrolet pick up stolen from the parking lot at the "grates." This is not to say that the victim will not give these details himself, but he may want it kept private at the moment.

His experience with TVA police and Sullivan County Sheriff's Department was much like I have experienced myself and so have others in the past. They don't care.

It is going to take a more powerful influence to kick the Barney Fife's into doing something and at least showing an outward appearance of real concern for crimes committed on the fly fishing recreationalists using the other side of the mountain.

I have been personally following thefts and break-ins since 1998. The number is amazing but local law enforcement, TVA Police included, does not see that there is a problem, or rather, they purposely ignore the problem. Consider that I live in NC and cannot possibly know about many other crimes that do not reach my notice. My continuing and passionate interest in this lies in 37 years of using those two TVA rivers. The incidents that do reach my attention are phenomenal in number.

We have tried embarrassment with at least 4 front page articles in two states plus TV coverage. We have tried letters to the county commissioners and sheriffs' offices. We have tried talking personally with county commissioners. We have had a member of TVA police on multi-state conference calls to express our concerns. Over and over again, many of us have suggested serious and continual sting operations, suggestions for which we are ignored. Absolutely nothing works. The criminals run the law enforcement.

I remember too well dealing with TVA Police, Sullivan County and Carter County Sheriffs' Departments and the experiences that I continually hear from others is the same. Interviewing officers still treat the victim as if THEY are the problem.

My wife just reminded me after a visit to Sullivan County Sheriff's Department in July of 1999. The nicest, most caring people that we ran into that day were the ones getting out of jail !!

Sorry, but I have absolutely no confidence in law enforcement in east Tennessee. Take your own measures as you see fit.

Bo Cash

[J_Thomas]

Geez,

That is BAAAAAAAAD news. It appeared that this kind of stuff was calmed down for a while,but maybe the theives were in jail on some unrelated charge and just now got out.

Do you know what happened to those guys that the law did catch ??

JT

[BoCash3]

Originally Posted by J_Thomas

Geez,
Do you know what happened to those guys that the law did catch ??
JT

From something I gathered, I may even have reason to believe this is connected to those same people, again. Personally, I believe this is bigger than just those two guys that were busted.....and have felt that way for months . . .... just my perspective, but believe it goes further than the arrested pair and they are connected to the "ring." Again, just trying to put the puzzle pieces together, but it is very obvious to me that law enforcement does not want to fix the problem............. are they indeed connected?.......... kin folk, payoffs ?? Who knows?!!! I don't believe that local law enforcement wants the problem solved.

[ctchrelz]

sounds like someone needs to bait them with a nice truck loaded with gear and be hiding nearby with a nice scoped 30-06. I have ZERO tolerance for thieves and have no problem letting them have what they deserve.

but realistically, maybe a few calls to the county sheriff's or to the prosecutors office or even the states attorney. is this happening on state or county land? they could put together a nice sting operation.

pt

[BoCash3]

Thread edit, more added.

[Fly Flicker]

That is appalling they wont do nothing about it. Have any of these vehicles ever been recovered? Been thinking of going there this year but I sure don't want that kind of hassle.

[pansyman]

Originally Posted by ctchrelz

sounds like someone needs to bait them with a nice truck loaded with gear and be hiding nearby with a nice scoped 30-06. I have ZERO tolerance for thieves and have no problem letting them have what they deserve.

but realistically, maybe a few calls to the county sheriff's or to the prosecutors office or even the states attorney. is this happening on state or county land? they could put together a nice sting operation.

pt

And we thought Grundy county ove rhere in mid TN was the car steelin capital of the state.
My buddy had his truck and boat trailer stolen while he was fishing in a catfish tournament.. got the trailer back but no truck,

[Flatlander]

On a side note. Have any of you SoHo regulars noticed a small white pickup (maybe a chevy s-10) cruising around the various parking areas on the river? The truck is driven by an older guy, bald, maybe late 60's early 70's. There is usually a younger guy in the truck with him. Dark hair and a mustache. I see these guys drive around the TVA South cul de sac all the time. I also see them up and down the river cruising past parking areas. They never stop and get out and I don't think they're looking for a spot to fish. With gas as expensive as it is, seems like they might find something better to do. Anyone know their story?