Welfare check leads to drug, firearm charges

A Caryville man was booked into Washington County Jail after a call from a concerned citizen was received by dispatch May 2. 

The caller requested a welfare check on an elderly Caryville woman who reported that 48-year-old Jackie Roy Thomas was driving the woman’s vehicle and attempting to sell a firearm that he believed belonged to the woman’s late husband. The caller made the report after visiting the elderly woman to discuss the situation and stated it did not feel right. 

Washington County Sheriff’s deputies made contact with the lady who stated she had given Thomas permission to drive her vehicle for work purposes only. A short time later, Thomas arrived at the residence driving the vehicle and also spoke with deputies. 

Further investigation revealed Thomas had written permission to drive the vehicle. As deputies retrieved the handwritten note, they observed the odor of narcotics emanating from inside the vehicle. With consent to search the vehicle, deputies located illegal drugs and a firearm inside the vehicle. 

A records search revealed Thomas was a convicted felon who could not be in possession of a firearm. He was arrested and transported to jail  on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. 

Anyone with knowledge of crimes being committed or tips may contact WCSO at 850-638-6111, make reports anonymously by calling 850-638-TIPS (8477) or by email at [email protected].