Pleas, deals & trials for former Gibson Co. Sheriff’s Office employees

TRENTON, Tenn. — Several former employees of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office returned to court Monday, all accused of crimes committed under former sheriff Chuck Arnold’s administration.

The co-defendants, initially indicted with Arnold in December 2015, agreed to plea deals, trial dates or had their cases dismissed.

Former Gibson County Chief Deputy Jeff Maitland entered a guilty plea Monday afternoon. Prosecutors say Maitland was involved with several crimes while working at the sheriff’s department including misconduct and facilitation of theft.

As part of his plea deal, Maitland will be on probation effective immediately and have to pay back more than $1,400 in restitution.

Two other men, Charles Simpson and Benjamin Lee, also made plea deals.

Both men are accused of taking more than $16,000 each in overtime for hours prosecutors say they didn’t work.

The two men accepted guilty pleas requiring they both repay the money and begin six years of supervised probation.

Co-defendant Shaun Phinnessee appeared without legal representation, telling Judge William Acree he is attempting to find an attorney before his scheduled December trial date.

Former employee Teresa Sturdivant also will go to trial next month.

Robert Pinkerton appeared with his attorneys to request evidence they say will help build his case that he did not alter his time card.

Two cases — those for Darla Crenshaw and Melissa Hunt — were dismissed. State prosecutors say the decision comes because of valid defense arguments.

In September, co-defendants Renea Terrell, Eddie Bradford and Joel Hughey all made plea deals.

The remaining sentencing and trial dates for the co-defendants are scheduled to begin in November.