On February 26, 2026, at approximately 6:24 p.m., deputies from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office in Sparta, Tennessee, were dispatched to Swafford Road in response to a report of someone firing shots and a concern about the direction of the shooting. Upon arrival, Deputy Jason Powers, along with other officers, detected a strong odor of marijuana and observed smoke emanating from a camper on the property.

The sole occupant, 70-year-old Roger Dale Bryant (a white male resident of the address), opened the door, intensifying the odor and smoke. Bryant admitted to smoking marijuana and having only a small amount inside. He exited the camper and directed officers to its location. During retrieval of the marijuana—a small quantity (approximately 3 grams) of green leafy substance in a clear plastic bag, along with several pipes containing burnt residue—officers observed three loaded firearms in plain view on the bed: a black Mossberg 702 Plinkster .22 rifle, a black Lorcin 9mm handgun, and a black Hi-Point JCP .40 caliber handgun in a case. All were seized as evidence.

A records check confirmed that Bryant is a convicted felon, stemming from a 2015 conviction for manufacturing, delivering, or selling a controlled substance. As a result, he was prohibited from possessing firearms under Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 39-17-1307). Bryant was arrested on-scene at approximately 7:35 p.m. for possession of a weapon by a convicted felon (a felony charge with a $8,500 bond and court date of April 6, 2026) and simple possession of marijuana (T.C.A. § 39-17-418). He was transported to intake for booking. The marijuana and related paraphernalia were seized for destruction, and the incident was classified under weapon law violations and drug/narcotics offenses. No other individuals were involved, and the case was approved the following day.

The charges and allegations referenced in this report are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.