Former Gibson Co. sheriff, employees appear in court

TRENTON, Tenn. — Former Gibson County Sheriff Chuck Arnold appeared Thursday morning in court along with several of his former employees. All are charged with alleged crimes while they worked for the department.

Judge William Acree asked “Do you want to go to trial, Sheriff Arnold?” Arnold responded “Yes, sir.”

Arnold made a brief appearance and the judge set his trial, on his 113 counts, for Nov. 7.

Arnold’s former chief deputy, Jeffrey Maitland, along with six other former employees said they too want to go to trial. Those dates are set throughout November and December, though some may proceed without attorneys.

“Mr. Phinnessee’s is going to proceed to trial with other council or by himself,” said James Krenis, attorney for Shaun Phinnessee.

During the hearing, Eddie Bradford entered a best-interest plea, pleading to theft of $1,000 and official misconduct. He received two years of probation and has to pay restitution in the amount of $1,142.76, according to court documents.

The same sentence of probation was handed down for Joel Hughey and Renea Terrell, who pleaded guilty. Hughey pleaded to theft under $500 and official misconduct. He has to pay restitution in the amount of $1,106.16. Hughey is only on supervised probation until restitution and court costs are paid, according to court records.

Terrell plead guilty to obtaining controlled substances by fraud and theft over $1,000. Both offenses she pleaded to will run concurrently.

“More than 35 prescriptions were written in inmate names at the jail,” District Attorney Rachel Sobrero said.

Terrell has committed to judicial diversion, and she will be back in court as part of her plea deal. She agreed to truthfully testify against her former co-workers if called upon at trial. Also, Terrell has to pay restitution in the amount of $1,339.92, according to court records. The DA said they believe Terrell thought she was following orders.

“Both Jeffrey Maitland and Charles Arnold instructed Ms. Terrell at different times to call on these prescriptions,” Sobrero said.

Defendants Darla Crenshaw and Melissa Hunt didn’t appear in court Thursday. Their attorney said he didn’t feel they needed to be there in person but that he will be present when their trial begins on Nov 17.

All the defendants in this case remain free on bond.