McNairy County Using DNA to Solve Crimes
McNairy County officials have started a new policy, deputies are now collecting DNA samples on every home burglary reported. Friday, it paid off. Authorities arrested Jonathon Rieben, 39, of Adamsville, after they said he broke into a home in the 5000-block of Hardins Graveyard Road in Enville back in February. “In the process he cut himself. We took that glass and submitted it for DNA evidence,” said Sheriff Guy Buck of McNairy County. “When he realized we had a hit on his DNA, he realized we had him, there was no denying it.” Sheriff Buck said the collecting of DNA samples is a process used in law enforcement agencies across the country, buy rarely used in smaller agencies for home burglaries. “Like fingerprints used to be standard, it’s a standard for us,” said Sheriff Buck. He said to process the samples cost the county nothing and is a service provided by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’ s crime lab for law enforcement agencies. “Brilliant, brilliant,” is how Enville resident Laura Moss describes the new policy. Moss said she has been a victim of home burglary and welcomes the new process. Sheriff Buck said the DNA analysis currently has a four to six month turn-around time.
