A local bank employee is in trouble with the law after allegedly stealing a very large sum of money from other accounts and placing them in her own.
According to Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins, 45-year-old Brenda Fuson of Old Highway 53, Liberty, was arrested for theft over $250,000. She is under a $100,000 bond and will be in court on August 15.
Chief Collins said that on July 30 police detectives began investigating the theft of $331,499 from a customer’s savings account at Regions Bank in Smithville. During the investigation, Fuson, an employee at the bank, was identified as a suspect, and after interviewing her, she allegedly admitted to taking funds out of the account and deposited it into an account in her own name. Collins said the thefts took place over several months.
A spokesperson at Regions Bank, Ashley Foster, told the media, “Our teams are working closely with law enforcement in support of the investigation. We have zero tolerance for the type of behavior that is alleged in this case. Rest assured we will take all appropriate steps to resolve this matter based on the results of the investigation.”
In other police news, 20-year-old Brooklyn Taylor Green of Shady Rest Drive was arrested for simple possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her court date is August 8.
During a routine traffic stop, Chief Collins said an officer spoke with the driver, Green and detected an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. He conducted a search and found 9 grams of a green leafy substance along with a large pipe. Green admitted the items found by police in the automobile belonged to her.
On July 19, 54-year-old James Crawford of Fennville, Michigan, was arrested for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident. He is under a $7,000 bond and appeared in court on August 1.
Chief Collins stated that officers responded to an accident at Liberty State Bank. While enroute, dispatch gave a description of the vehicle, which had reportedly left the scene.
An officer spotted the vehicle on West Broad Street and conducted a traffic stop. Upon speaking with the driver, Crawford, the officer noticed signs of impairment and smelled a strong odor of alcohol. Crawford allegedly admitted to having consumed alcohol and performed poorly on field sobriety tasks.
That same day, 20-year-old Gregory Scott Smith of Wade Street was arrested for public intoxication. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court August 8.
Chief Collins said that police responded to Mapco Express for a report of a physical altercation between subjects inside the store. Police say Smith was found to be intoxicated and admitted to having consumed alcohol prior to the altercation.
On July 20, 20-year-old Anderson Burnett of Sparta is cited for vandalism. He is due in court August 8.
According to Chief Collins, reported that officers were investigating a vandalism which occurred at Spring Street Baptist Church. On July 14 someone had performed donuts in a vehicle in the graveled parking lot, causing damage in excess of $700. During the course of the investigation, Burnett was identified as a suspect, and he was issued a citation.
On July 21, 35-year-old Terry Ray Barnes of Blairwood Drive, Rock Island, and 25-year-old Gabriel James Hesson of Foxdale Drive, Murfreesboro, were each arrested for aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, and drug paraphernalia. Bond for each is $21,500 and they will be in court August 8.
Chief Collins stated that on July 21 police received a call to respond to 149 Village Place for a break-in in progress and an aggravated assault involving firearms. Witnesses reported that the suspects had left the scene in a black vehicle.
After locating the vehicle traveling north on Riley Avenue, a traffic stop was conducted. A search of the vehicle produced two loaded firearms, along with several items of drug paraphernalia. Both men were taken into custody.
Also on July 21, 34-year-old Dustin Williamson of Oak Drive, Smithville, was arrested for driving under the influence. He is under a $2,500 bond and will be in court on August 8.
Police conducted a traffic stop on East Main Street after spotting a vehicle failing to maintain its lane of travel. The officer made contact with the driver, Williamson, who was allegedly found to have red, watery eyes, and a drowsy state of actions.
Williamson allegedly told authorities that he had purchased a five-pack of THC gummies and had consumed three of them prior to driving. He submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He also consented to implied consent for a blood draw.
On July 29, 36-year-old Candice Chitwood of Knoxville was arrested for public intoxication. Her bond is $1,500 and she will be in court on August 15.
Chief Collins stated that police received multiple calls to 509 South College Street in reference to an intoxicated female causing a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers spoke Chitwood, who allegedly had a strong odor, and acted in an intoxicated manner.
