CROSSVILLE MAN SAYS HE WAS ‘ELECTRO-CHLOROFORMED’ FOR MASONIC SECRETS IN CAR THEFT
According to a report by the Crossville Chronicle, on October 5, 2023, in Crossville, Tennessee, 42-year-old Jonathan Wayde Russell stole a 1998 GMC Jimmy from owner Clifford Smith while Smith was inside a Flowers outlet store, accidentally leaving his keys in the vehicle.
Russell then led police on a high-speed, reckless chase through busy intersections, running stop signs and red lights, evading multiple patrol cars, and ultimately crashing into a pickup truck driven by Michael Welch and a Volkswagen near the starting point, totaling Smith’s vehicle but causing no serious injuries to others.
Witnesses, including Smith, Crossville Fire Chief Chris South (who followed the stolen vehicle), and Police Lt. Larry Qualls, testified to the events.
Russell, extricated from the wreckage unresponsive and requiring Narcan, was airlifted to a trauma center and later arrested. Against his attorney’s advice, Russell testified at trial, rejecting a plea deal for 12 years, and claimed he was “electro-chloroformed” and blacked out by assailants targeting him for Masonic secrets, despite knowing nothing about the organization.
The jury deliberated only 25 minutes before convicting him of felony reckless endangerment, evading arrest, and theft of property valued $2,500–$10,000. With prior convictions, he faces up to 30 years at 60% service; sentencing is set for February 17.
