Operation Shutdown: 11 Arrested in Jefferson County Drug Bust

Key Points:

• A six-month investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office led to the indictment of 17 people on drug charges.
• Eleven individuals were arrested on January 8, 2025, in various locations across Jefferson County.
• Charges include the sale and delivery of meth, fentanyl, Schedule I and II drugs, and counterfeit substances, along with marijuana possession.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced the culmination of a six-month undercover investigation into drug trafficking within the county. Sheriff Jeff Coffey stated that the operation, carried out by the Narcotics Division and the Special Operations Response Team, resulted in the indictment of 17 individuals on charges related to the sale and delivery of illegal narcotics.

Arrests Made Across Multiple Locations

On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, law enforcement officers made a series of arrests across Jefferson County. Eleven individuals were taken into custody in locations including Dandridge, Strawberry Plains, Kodak, and Knoxville. The suspects, who range in age from 23 to 71, face various charges.

Charges Range from Meth to Fentanyl

The charges against the 11 arrested individuals include multiple counts of sale and delivery of methamphetamine, fentanyl, Schedule I, and Schedule II drugs. Two individuals were also charged with the sale and delivery of counterfeit controlled substances, and two individuals face charges of simple possession of marijuana. Schedule I drugs, such as heroin and LSD, are classified as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedule II drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, have a high potential for abuse that can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Suspects Identified, Six Still at Large

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office released the names and charges of the 11 arrested individuals:

• Wanda Vandenheede, 69, of Waterfront Dr, TN: Two counts of sale and delivery of meth.
• James Vandenheede, 71, of Waterfront Dr, Dandridge, TN: Four counts of sale and delivery of meth.
• Gracie Shreve, 23, of East Highway 25/70: Two counts of sale and delivery of fentanyl, two counts of sale and delivery of a Schedule II drug.
• Tiffany Parker, 48, of Cline Rd, Dandridge, TN: Two counts of sale and delivery of meth, two counts of sale and delivery of a Schedule II drug.
• Timothy Lindsey, 43, of Cline Rd, Dandridge, TN: Two counts of sale and delivery of meth, two counts of sale and delivery of a Schedule II drug.
• Jake Markley, 30, of East Highway 25/70: Two counts of sale and delivery of fentanyl, six counts of sale and delivery of a Schedule I drug, two counts of sale and delivery of meth.
• Shawn Houser, 42, of Whispering Pines, Strawberry Plains, TN: 10 counts of sale and delivery of meth, eight counts of sale and delivery of fentanyl, two counts of sale and delivery of a counterfeit controlled substance, simple possession of marijuana.
• Gary Dunaway, 41, of Gobbler Rd, Strawberry Plains, TN: Two counts of sale and delivery of meth, simple possession of marijuana.
• Jennifer Brewer, 45, of Thorngrove Pk, Kodak, TN: Two counts of sale and delivery of meth.
• Maci Parton, 28, of Thorngrove Pk, Strawberry Plains, TN: Two counts of sale and delivery of meth.
• Christopher Bryant, 41, of Thorngrove Pk, Knoxville, TN: Two counts of sale and delivery of a counterfeit controlled substance.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the six remaining individuals indicted in connection with this operation.

Ongoing Battle Against Drug Crime

This operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in East Tennessee, including Jefferson County, in combating the opioid crisis and drug-related crimes. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office emphasized its commitment to continuing its efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and bring those involved to justice.

Social Media Post

BREAKING: A major drug bust in Jefferson County! 11 arrested, 17 indicted after a 6-month investigation. Sheriff Jeff Coffey’s team is working hard to keep our communities safe. Read More -> https://tinyurl.com/y7xsdksc #JeffersonCounty #DrugBust #OperationShutdown #NoToDrugs #CommunitySafety #EastTN #SmokyMountains #SevierCounty #CockeCounty #HamblenCounty #GreeneCounty #Meth #Fentanyl