According to a report by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, on November 25, 2025, at approximately 2:08 a.m., Deputy Caleb Charles and Cpl. Ethan Wilson of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office responded to Tabor Loop in Crossville, to investigate reported drug activity. Upon arrival, the homeowner, James Hugh Gist Jr. (51), opened the door, and deputies immediately observed digital scales with white powdery residue and multiple pieces of burnt tin foil indicative of narcotics use. Several occupants attempted to flee to the rear of the home; all were detained. Korena Ann Martin (24) was found hiding in the bathroom and was additionally arrested on an active Failure to Appear warrant from Roane County. The other two individuals located in a back room were Joshua Randall Presley (39) of London, Kentucky, and Michael Scott Strader (38) of Crossville.

After being read their Miranda rights, all agreed to speak with deputies. James Gist consented to a search of the residence and directed officers to a tin foil bundle on his bedroom dresser containing approximately 0.43 grams of a white powdery substance that field-tested positive for fentanyl. Additional burnt tin foil with black tar-like residue was seized as drug paraphernalia.

James Gist was charged with Simple Possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (fentanyl) and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Korena Martin, Joshua Presley, and Michael Strader were each charged with Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. All four were booked into the Cumberland County Jail. The fentanyl and paraphernalia were seized and submitted to the TBI lab for analysis.