An investigation by the TBI led to the indictment of a former Fentress County deputy. In March 2020, at the request of 8th District Attorney General Jared Effler, agents began looking into allegations brought forth by the sheriff’s office involving 50-year-old Johnny C. Dishman. Authorities determined Dishman, who at the time was serving as a deputy, used his county issued fuel card for personal use. He is no longer employed by the agency. Last week, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Dishman with theft over $2,500, fraudulent use of a credit card, and official misconduct. He turned himself in yesterday and was booked into the jail on a $2,500 bond.

Dishman was the second former deputy arrested this week on charges.

Back in October 2020, officers began investigating 42-year-old Derek Cull Richards after the sheriff’s department discovered possible misconduct. Authorities determined Richards, while serving as a deputy, allegedly sold his agency issued AR-15 rifle for personal gain. Officers were able to track down and recover the weapon. Richards is no longer employed by the sheriff’s office. A grand jury indicted Richards with official misconduct. He turned himself in yesterday and was booked into the jail on a $1,000 bond.