At this time, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department plans to charge 5 juveniles and one adult for vandalizing mailboxes.

Sheriff Patrick Ray says “My detectives today (Thursday 2-27-25) interviewed 5 juveniles and 1 adult about destroying mailboxes across the Northern and Southern parts of DeKalb County. We have had written and some verbal reports of mailboxes getting vandalized on Cookeville Highway, Old Bildad Road, Blue Springs Road, Ike Adcock Road, Keltonburg Road, Antioch Road, Green Hill Road, and Short Mountain Road all in DeKalb County.

I am asking the public, if you live outside the City limits of Smithville and you are seeking any financial restitution for damages to your mailbox that has been vandalized, you will need to contact dispatch at 615-215-3000 and let a deputy respond to your location and see the damage or evidence of the damage. All damages to the mailboxes must have been vandalized between the dates of Monday February 17, 2025 and Thursday February 27, 2025. Your report must be turned into the Sheriff’s Department by Wednesday March 5. Charges then will be brought forth on these individuals.

If you are a resident of Smithville, you will need to report your vandalism of your mailbox to the Smithville Police Department. The Smithville Police Department will be taking charges on your reports.