Rep. Tim Burchett Calls for Ghislaine Maxwell to Testify About ‘the truth’ Behind Jeffery Epstein

Rep. Tim Burchett Calls for Ghislaine Maxwell to Testify About ‘the truth’ Behind Jeffery Epstein

Posted on July 16, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) Tim Burchett, the U.S. representative for Tennessee’s second congressional district, is calling on Ghislaine Maxwell to testify about “the truth” behind Jeffery Epstein.

Burchett, a Republican who represents areas like Knoxville, Maryville and as far north as LaFollette, has long called for answers in the Epstein case.

Burchett took to social media Tuesday announcing he’d sent a letter to James Comer, the chairman of the GOP Oversight Committee, requesting Maxewell appear before Congress, adding that subpoena powers be used if she refuses a congressional invitation.

“Given the events of the past week, I respectfully request you invite Ms. Ghislaine Maxwell to testify in a public hearing before the Committee,” the letter reads. “Should Ms. Maxwell refuse the invitation, I encourage you to use subpoena powers.”

Epstein, a New York financier who committed suicide in 2019 after being accused of orchestrating a years-long sex trafficking operation, was rumored to have kept a “client list” containing the names of people who participated in the abuse.

The Justice Department last week denied the list’s existence after previous reports that Attorney General Pam Bondi had at one time possessed the list.

(Courtesy: U.S. House of Representatives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
One in Custody Following Multi-Agency Drug Bust in Monroe County

One in Custody Following Multi-Agency Drug Bust in Monroe County

Posted on July 16, 2025

Monroe County, TN (WOKI) A multi-agency drug bust is credited with getting fentanyl and guns off the streets in Monroe County.

Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones announcing that agents with the sheriff’s office together with the 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations seized approximately 31 grams of fentanyl, multiple handguns, a large quantity of cash and other items while serving a high risk warrant Monday evening.

Jones says one suspect was also taken into custody following a foot pursuit in the area of Turnpike Road.

One in custody following multi-agency drug bust in Monroe County. (Courtesy: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)
Knoxville Police Identify the Victim in a Deadly Shooting at Days Inn in North Knoxville

Knoxville Police Identify the Victim in a Deadly Shooting at Days Inn in North Knoxville

Posted on July 16, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) UPDATE 7/16: The victim from the deadly shooting that occurred early Tuesday morning has been identified as Jakhory Dortch, 22 of Athens, Tennessee.

Based on the findings of the still ongoing investigation, Dortch and another man were involved in a physical altercation outside of a room at the Days Inn on Dante Road when Dortch was shot. The other involved individual was detained at the scene by responding KPD officers and questioned by Homicide Unit detectives.

No charges have been filed at this time. Upon completion of the investigation, which is being led by the KPD Homicide Unit, the case file will be presented to the Knox County District Attorney’s Office.

ORIGINAL STORY: Knoxville Police Department Homicide Unit detectives are investigating a deadly shooting that happened at the Days Inn on Dante Road early Tuesday morning.

At just after 3 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, KPD officers were dispatched to the Days Inn at 114 Dante Road, where it was reported that two men were involved in a fight and shots were fired.

Officers located both men on scene, including one who had been shot. Despite life-saving efforts by responding Knoxville Fire Department personnel, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The other involved man was detained by responding officers and is being questioned by Homicide Unit detectives.

KPD crime scene technicians responded to the scene for evidence processing and collection.  

The investigation into the shooting remains in the early stages and under active investigation. Additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses.  

Knoxville Fire Department Officials are Investigating a House Fire in East Knoxville
KFD

Knoxville Fire Department Officials are Investigating a House Fire in East Knoxville

Posted on July 16, 2025

Knoxville, TN (KFD / WOKI) – This morning (Wednesday) around 4:50am, Knoxville Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire located on Wilson Avenue.

Knox County Communication District received a call that a house next door from the caller was on fire.

Engine 6 arrived on scene within minutes and stated that there was heavy smoke and fire showing from the whole right side of the residence. Firefighting operations started quickly and crews were able to attack the fire from inside the home.

The fire was under control within 10 minutes.

Crews are still on scene cleaning up and making sure there are no hot spots.
The residence suffered heavy fire, smoke, and water damage and is a total loss.

It was reported that 5 people and 2 dogs were staying in the home. All occupants evacuated safely and were uninjured. The dogs were not in the home and are trying to be located.

There were no injuries from firefighters to report.

Authorities are Still Working to Find Out What Caused a Boom in Blount County
WVLT

Authorities are Still Working to Find Out What Caused a Boom in Blount County

Posted on July 16, 2025

Many people felt and heard a large boom in Blount County and authorities are still working to determine what caused it.

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office says they received several calls after the boom was heard at around 1:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon (Tuesday).

While thousands of people were without power after the boom, Blount County deputies patrolled the area for blown transformers and City of Alcoa officials say it was not electric-related.

Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp said no injuries have been reported.

TDOT and Vulcan Materials were not blasting at the time the boom was reported.

Two Charged after Bullet Lands in Child’s Bedroom in Powell, Warrants Say

Two Charged after Bullet Lands in Child’s Bedroom in Powell, Warrants Say

Posted on July 15, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Two people are facing charges after several bullets hit a home in Powell Sunday afternoon.

According to charging documents, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office went to a home on Blueberry Road around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday after receiving a report of shots fired.

The victim told deputies his house had been hit by gunfire, and deputies found at least five bullet holes going into the home, including one that went into a child’s bedroom and landed in a laundry basket.

Further investigation lead to the arrest of 18-year-old Makyla Wesley and 18-year-old Juliun Laderach who police suspected of drinking while discharging a handgun near their neighbor’s home.

The pair are facing reckless endangerment and other charges and are scheduled to appear in court on July 16.

Makyla Wesley and Juliun Laderach (Courtesy: JIMS)
Former Monroe County Paramedic Facing Federal Child Pornography Charges, Court Docs Say

Former Monroe County Paramedic Facing Federal Child Pornography Charges, Court Docs Say

Posted on July 15, 2025

Monroe County, TN (WOKI) A now former Monroe County paramedic is facing federal child pornography charges.

According to court records, an investigation began into 27-year-old Nathan Lee Westbrook after investigators received a cyber tip involving the possession and distribution of child pornography on social media platform KiK in February.

A federal search warrant was executed on July 11 confirming a Kik account and associated email, from which six video files depicting child pornography were uploaded and distributed, were Westbrook’s.

Court records indicate Westbrook also admitted to having child pornography on his phone and computer, adding that no other person had used his computer or phone.

Monroe County EMS Director Randy White confirmed that Westbrook was a paramedic but has since been terminated.

“The actions of one individual do not reflect the integrity and dedication of the hardworking men and women of Monroe County EMS,” White said. “We hold all staff to the highest professional and ethical standards, and we remain committed to serving the public with honor and accountability.”

Monroe County Mayor Mitch Ingram added that it was a deeply concerning situation.

“This situation is deeply concerning, and while Mr. Westbrook is entitled to due process under the law, the safety and trust of our community remain our top priorities,” said Ingram. “We will continue to cooperate fully with all investigative authorities and ensure transparency as this matter unfolds.”

Westbrook is currently being held at the Blount County Justice Center. He is scheduled to have a detention hearing on Thursday.

Nathan Westbrook, 27 (Courtesy: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Arrests One after Barricaded Situation

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Arrests One after Barricaded Situation

Posted on July 15, 2025

Tellico Plains, TN (WOKI) A man is taken into custody after barricading himself inside a structure Tuesday morning in Tellico Plains.

Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones says officers responded just after 10:00 a.m. to a person who had barricaded himself inside a structure on Rafter Road near Shorty’s Market.

SWAT officers deployed two gas canisters into the rear of the building, forcing the subject to exit the front of the building.

The man was taken into custody and is undergoing a medical evaluation.

Deputies responded to Rafter Road in Tellico Plains near Shorty’s Market Tuesday morning. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Special Traffic Alert I-275 in Knox County this Weekend
TDOT

Special Traffic Alert I-275 in Knox County this Weekend

Posted on July 15, 2025

KNOXVILLE, TN (TDOT – WOKI) – Motorists traveling on I-275 in Knox County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will have a significant impact on traffic.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 18, I-275 will be closed in each direction as crews work to replace the bridge over Elm Street and Bernard Avenue.  Motorists can bypass the work zone by using I-40 and I-640. This closure will be in place until 6 a.m. on Monday, July 21.

This is the second consecutive weekend closure of I-275 in this area. There will be a third weekend closure of I-275 in the Fall.

This project employs Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques, including innovative planning, design, materials, and construction methods. ABC works safely and cost-effectively to reduce the onsite construction time that occurs when building new bridges or replacing and rehabilitating existing bridges. ABC improves site constructability, total project delivery time, and work-zone safety for the traveling public. 

You can learn more about the I-275 bridge replacement project here: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/interstate-275–bridge-over-elm-street-bernard-avenue.html

This schedule is contingent on favorable weather conditions.  Motorists are advised to expect delays and use extreme caution in this area as workers will be present.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and “Know Before You Go!” by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

East Tennessee Man and His Wife Facing Charges after Conspiring to File False Tax Returns Claiming Millions

East Tennessee Man and His Wife Facing Charges after Conspiring to File False Tax Returns Claiming Millions

Posted on July 15, 2025

An East Tennessee man has pleaded guilty to claiming millions in false tax returns.

According to the United States Department of Justice, Ryan Glidewell, of Kingsport, conspired with others to file false tax returns seeking refunds based on the Employee Retention Credit and paid Sick and Family Leave Credit, both of which were created by Congress to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Glidewell worked with two co-conspirators, including his wife Aylissa, to create phony businesses that didn’t have any employees or operations to falsely claim the credits. All of the phony businesses were located in Sullivan County.

The DOJ says Glidewell filed several false tax returns for those businesses and directed the tax refunds to be mailed to an address he controlled.

In total, officials say the false returns claimed almost $3 and a half million in tax refunds, of which the IRS paid $1.8 million.

Glidewell pleaded guilty to Conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud Aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return
Money laundering and is set to be sentenced on November 12, where he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud charge, a maximum of 10 years for the money laundering charge and a maximum of three years for the aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return charge.

This comes after Aylissa pleaded guilty in the scheme back in March to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on September 15.

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