Hardin Co. man charged in hoax explosives investigation

HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. — TBI agents have arrested and charged a Savannah man with creating hoax devices found in his home during a fire investigation.

Joshua Steakley, 36, was arrested Tuesday and charged with one count of prohibited weapons (hoax device), according to a release from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

The TBI started investigating the case Saturday after the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and the Hardin County Fire Department responded to a fire in the 200 block of Burnt Church Road in Savannah.

Authorities found two safes in a bedroom of the home indicating both contained explosive devices, the release states.

Special Operations personnel from the Tennessee Highway Patrol determined the safes did not contain explosive devices, according to the release.

Agents determined Steakley, the resident, was responsible for the hoax.

Steakley was booked into the Hardin County Jail on a $100,000 bond.