Rutherford/Murfreesboro: TBI: Missing Monday Ta'Mia Robinson

 On this #MissingMonday, we are featuring Ta'Mia Robinson, 17, who is missing from Murfreesboro. She has been missing since October 21, 2024.

Robinson is 5'4" tall, 139 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. She may be in the Lebanon area.

If you have seen Robinson or have information regarding her whereabouts, please contact the Murfreesboro Police Department at 615-893-1311 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Juveniles featured as part of #MissingMonday have been previously listed on the Missing Children of Tennessee website and are most often considered at-risk or are believed to have left home on their own.

Wilson/Lebanon: Police Look For Runaway Juvenile

 

Rutherford/La Vergne: La Vergne Police Stop and Arrest Honduras Man Indicted On Firearms Charges

 

Manuel De Jesus Guirola-Amaya, 20, a citizen of Honduras without legal status in the United States, has been indicted by a federal grand jury with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, possession of a stolen firearm, and stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.

According to court documents, on December 5, 2024, a burglary occurred at Golden Eagle Pawn, a Federal Firearms Licensee, in Dickson, Tennessee. Surveillance video showed two stolen cars arrive at the shop, one of which rammed the front door. Four people got out of the cars and went into the store, targeting several firearms displays. About two minutes after crashing into the store, the four subjects left in one of the stolen cars. More than 40 firearms were stolen during the burglary.

Later that day, a La Vergne Police Department officer stopped a car with an expired registration. The sole occupant of the car was Guirola-Amaya. Inside the trunk of the car, officers discovered a backpack containing five pistols that had been stolen in the Golden Eagle Pawn burglary and still had the price tags attached. Officers also found another backpack in the backseat with two pistols which were also reported stolen from Golden Eagle Pawn, one of which still had a price tag attached. The backpack also held suspected marijuana, and a set of digital scales.

Agents later executed a federal search warrant at a residence tied to Guirola-Amaya. They discovered, among other things, a high-capacity magazine, ammunition, and price tags consistent with the Golden Eagle Pawn price tags. Agents also executed several search warrants on cell phones found on Guirola-Amaya or in the car the day of his arrest. The data extraction results from the phones provided further ties to the burglary including photographs and videos of firearms, location data, and search queries.

Guirola-Amaya entered the United States illegally in March 2022, and has no lawful status.

If convicted, Guirola-Amaya faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison on Count One, which charges possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, and 10 years each on the other two counts. Guirola-Amaya also faces a $250,000 fine on each count.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the La Vergne Police Department and the Dickson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Hinkle is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crim

Bedford County/Shelbyville: Mini-Barn Burglary Suspect Caught

 

In the early hours of March 31, 2025, Shelbyville Police responded to a reported burglary in a mini barn near South Cannon Blvd. B-Nights shift officers arrived on the scene and discovered a male subject inside the shed. Officers immediately noticed he was armed and gave verbal commands for him to show his hands.

The suspect, identified as William Jai'Quon Kress, ignored commands and fled on foot, prompting a chase. Officers quickly caught up to Kress and took him into custody. During the pursuit, Kress discarded a firearm, which was later recovered. He was also carrying a backpack containing a lockbox.

Shelbyville PD’s Directed Patrol K-9 Unit, Officer Brock Horner and K-9 Trigger, conducted a free air sniff around the lockbox. K-9 Trigger alerted to the presence of narcotics, leading to the issuance of a search warrant. Upon searching the lockbox, officers discovered approximately one and a half ounces of suspected methamphetamine, two digital scales, and multiple new baggies, all indicative of drug distribution.

Kress, who is currently on state probation for the sale of Schedule II drugs, was taken into custody and charged with Possession of Schedule II Drugs with Intent to Distribute, Resisting Arrest, Evading Arrest, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon in the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.

AAA: Tennessee Gas Prices Rise Two Cents

 Tennessee gas prices rose two cents, on average, over last week. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.70 which is nine cents less expensive than one month ago and 39 cents less than one year ago.  

"Our gas prices continue to fluctuate across the state as many Tennesseans are heading into spring break this week," said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "For those that are planning a road trip, the good news is that quite a few states now have state gas price averages below $3/gallon. We're also seeing gas prices cheaper than one year ago - 39 cents cheaper both at the state and national level." 

National Gas Prices

Despite increased demand, gas prices dipped lower this week, with today’s national average at $3.07 per gallon, about a penny lower than a week ago. This drop at the pump comes as many travelers gear up to hit the road for spring break and drivers may be surprised to find gas under $3 in 29 states. 

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased from 8.87 million b/d last week to 9.18. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 246.8 million barrels to 241.1, leaving them slightly below seasonal averages. Gasoline production also decreased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day.

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.07, about 9 cents lower than a month ago and 39 cents less than a year ago.

National Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI increased $1.43 to settle at $67.68 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 1.4 million barrels from the previous week. At 435.2 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 5% below the five-year average for this time of year.

Tennessee Regional Prices 

• Most expensive metro markets - Jackson ($2.76), Memphis ($2.75), Johnson City ($2.74) 
• Least expensive metro markets - Chattanooga ($2.60), Morristown ($2.63), Clarksville ($2.63) 

AAA: Caution on Insurance Claims

 AAA is offering insurance advice and a word of caution for Tennessee residents who suffered damage from tornadoes and severe weather over the weekend.

“Once conditions are safe to do so, begin documenting damage and contact your insurance provider immediately,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. "The sooner you start the process, the faster you can repair the damages."

Filing an Insurance Claim

In most cases, residents who suffered wind damage to their home would need to file a claim through their homeowner’s policy. Alternatively, residents with damage to their vehicle would file with their auto insurance provider. This type of damage normally falls under what’s called “comprehensive” coverage.

To file a claim, residents should contact their insurance provider directly. Providers like AAA offer multiple ways to file a claim, whether that be over the phone, online or a mobile app. Tennesseans who have insurance provided by AAA can visit this page for more information.

Be Cautious of Dishonest Contractors

“AAA is urging homeowners to be leery of contractors who go door-to-door in damaged neighborhoods offering cleanup or repair services after a catastrophe,” said Cooper. “While some of these workers may be honest and reputable; there are those looking to take advantage of residents at their most vulnerable time.”

Dishonest contractors may try to pocket more profit by:

• Accepting payment then never completing (or even showing up for) the job.
• Using inferior materials or performing shoddy work that’s not up to code.

Tips to avoid fraud after a catastrophe:

Work with your Insurance Provider

• Call your insurance company first if you think you might have damage from a storm or other disaster.

• Make sure you review and understand all documents sent to your insurer.
• Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company.
• Be on the lookout for people calling and saying they are with a national carrier. Do not provide ANY personal information over the phone without them first confirming a claim number. If something sounds fishy, report it to your insurance company immediately.
• Note that insurance carriers will never ask you to pay your deductible up front or over the phone.

Hire a Contractor

• Get more than one estimate. Never let a contractor pressure you into hiring them.
• Work with only licensed and insured contractors.
• Request references and check them.
• Ask to see the salesperson’s driver’s license, write down the license number and their vehicle’s license plate number.

Get the Work Done

• Get contract terms in writing. Cost, time schedules, payment schedules, guarantees, work to be done, and other expectations should be detailed.
• Never sign a contract with blanks.
• Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is finished, and ensure reconstruction is up to current code.

If You Didn’t Request it - Reject it.

If you believe you’ve been approached by an unlicensed contractor or adjuster, or have been encouraged to fabricate an insurance claim, contact your insurance company or the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) immediately.

Reporting Insurance Fraud

Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud can report it anonymously with the National Insurance Crime Bureau:

• Call 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422)
• Submit a form online at www.nicb.org/reportfraud

 

 

Rutherford/Murfreesboro: Group Graduates From Recovery Court

 

Photo (L-R) Circuit Court Judge of Williamson County Deanna Johnson, Circuit Court Judge of Rutherford County Jimmy Turner, Tennessee State Senator Dawn White, Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr

Circuit Court Judge Jimmy Turner presided over another graduation of Recovery Court participants on Friday, March 7.

Recovery Court is a program with a minimum of 18 months that assists individuals with intervention, treatment and rehabilitation surrounding substance use disorders.

Mayor Joe Carr congratulated the participants of the program during his mayoral address.

“This isn’t just a turning of the page, but a new chapter in your life,” Carr said.

The County Commission last year approved an additional $1.5 million dollars to expand the program. The money will allow additional square footage to be added to the Recovery Court building to increase meeting and training space for the participants.

Each graduate was given the opportunity to share their thoughts about the program during the ceremony. Comments ranged from heartfelt thanks to Circuit Court Judge Jimmy Turner, the Recovery Court team and friends and family.

“This program saved my life,” one participant said.

“ I want to see people without addiction have more compassion to those that do,” another participant said.

One participant expressed thoughts about the recovery journey by writing a poem.

Over 400 participants have graduated from the Recovery Court since its founding in 2000 by retired Circuit Court Judge Don R. Ash.

More information about Recovery Court can be found at https://rutherfordcountytn.gov/recovery-court.

Coffee/Manchester Pi Day Program At Tullahoma Library

Coffee County Lannom Library Friday, March 14th at 1 PM for a movie in the conference room with mini pies! The description for the movie showing: Follow the journey of a young boy who survives a shipwreck and finds himself stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a fierce tiger! Plus, enjoy bracelet making, Pi Day activities, and coloring sheets!