This interview was recorded Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the Henderson County Justice Center.
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In this week's Sheriff's Report, Sheriff Botie Hillhouse talks about a local fuel theft that has led to a multi-state identity theft scam, warns Ford F250 owners about recent thefts, and talks about the late Kay Langford.
I. Stats (:58)
There are currently 428 inmates in the jail with 106 of those being out-of-county contract inmates.
II. Fuel Scam Leads to Identity Thefts (1:51)
On Nov. 12, Sheriff Hillhouse published a post on the Sheriff's Office Facebook Page asking for help locating some trucks that were involved in stealing fuel at an Athens area gas station.
On Nov. 19, one of the trucks returned to the station where deputies made contact and initially arrested the suspect for possession of methamphetamine and cocaine.
Further investigation showed the suspect in possession of gift cards that had been altered with credit card information stolen from at least 64 individuals.
"They're still running the scam so we still have a lot more work to do," said Sheriff Hillhouse, "but we're glad to get him off the street."
Sheriff Hillhouse said his office is working with multiple agencies in multiple counties on this case.
"It goes from Houston to Oklahoma and other states," he said. "It's a big case."
III. Warning to Ford F250 Owners (5:15)
The county has experienced a rash of Ford F250 thefts, Sheriff Hillhouse said, with as many as five stolen in the past week.
"We're in one of those unfortunate cycles right now," he said.
Officers have been able to recover one of the trucks, but they are obviously being targeted at this time.
"So if you have a Ford F250 please be aware," Sheriff Hillhouse said.
IV. Constable Kay Lanford Honored (8:15)
