On December 15, 2025, deputies with the Fentress County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence located at 2393 Roslin Road to serve an active arrest warrant on Steven Hensley.

Deputy Byron Sexton, Deputy Chris Goodman, and K-9 Officer Justin Cunningham made contact with the homeowner, Edward Larue, who advised that Mr. Hensley was inside the residence and granted deputies consent to enter. Mr. Larue stated that Mr. Hensley was located in the bathroom. Mr. Larue further advised that no other individuals were present and granted consent for deputies to check the residence.

While checking the residence, K-9 Officer Cunningham entered Mr. Larue’s bedroom and observed, in plain view, a glass methamphetamine pipe with meth residue and a clear plastic baggie containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine. Mr. Larue was advised of his Miranda rights and acknowledged understanding them. He admitted ownership of the narcotics.

Mr. Larue further stated that he had recently purchased approximately one ounce of methamphetamine and voluntarily surrendered two additional baggies containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine. A shotgun was also observed in plain view inside the bedroom. Mr. Larue advised that he was a convicted felon and stated that the firearm had been dropped off at his residence.

A criminal history check revealed Mr. Larue in-fact, had a prior felony charge in Fentress County for possession of methamphetamine, over 100 grams.

Based on the evidence observed, K-9 Officer Cunningham obtained a search warrant for the residence. After the warrant was obtained, Investigator Justin Atchley photographed the residence prior to the search. The search was conducted with the assistance of Investigator Danny Miller, Drug Agent Kris Lewallen, and Chief Deputy Hunter Fowler.

The following items were recovered during the search:

Narcotics and Paraphernalia

* Five separate clear baggies containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine, weighing approximately 2.5 ounces

* One baggie of suspected marijuana, weighing approximately 2.5 grams

* One and one-half oxycodone pills (10 mg)

* One alprazolam pill (2 mg)

* Two methamphetamine smoking pipes

* Four straws

* One marijuana smoking pipe

* One pill vial

* One set of digital scales

Firearms and Ammunition

* One Ridge Gun Company 12-gauge shotgun

* One Stevens Model 320 20-gauge shotgun

* One Gamester Model 348 12-gauge shotgun

* Nine .410 shotgun shells

* Twenty-one 20-gauge shotgun shells

* Twenty-four 12-gauge shotgun shells

As a result of this investigation, Edward Larue, age 78, of Jamestown, TN, was placed under arrest and transported to the Justice Center, where he was charged with the following offenses.

* Felony Possession of Methamphetamine for Resale

* Possession of Schedule II (Oxycodone)

* Possession of Schedule IV (Xanax)

* Possession of Schedule VI (Marijuana)

* Possession of a Legend Drug w/o a Prescription (Viagra)

* Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

* Possession of a Prohibited Weapon

* Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Additionally, Steven Hensley, age 43, Lancing, TN, and a female, who was found asleep in the bed of a pickup truck on the property, Lena Pemerton, age 41, of Lancing, TN, were also arrested and transported due to having active arrest warrants.

Statement from Chief Deputy Hunter Fowler

“This investigation highlights the importance of proactive enforcement and teamwork,” said Chief Deputy Hunter Fowler. “The deputies involved acted professionally and within the scope of the law to remove illegal drugs and firearms from our county. The Fentress County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting public safety, holding offenders accountable and saving lives.”

The Fentress County Sheriff’s Office would also like to recognize the exceptional efforts of our officers,K-9 Officer Justin Cunningham, Deputy Chris Goodman, Deputy Byron Sexton, Investigator Danny Miller, Investigator Justin Atchley, and Lead Drug Agent Kris Lewallen.

It’s important to note that all of the above stated suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.