LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputy Preston Mullins was dispatched to a home on Sagefield Drive, just off Stiner Hwy, last Wednesday. When he arrived, he found a green Infinity in the yard running and in gear.

Mullins noticed numerous opened cans of Bud Light lying on the ground around the vehicle. When Mullins made contact with the man in the driver’s seat, identified as Thomas Dewayne Morrell, he noticed his eyes were allegedly bloodshot, and he could smell a strong odor of alcohol coming from the man. When asked if he had drunk anything, Morrell allegedly reported that he had drank six beers, according to a report from the sheriff’s department.

Morrell reported he had come to the residence to escort the female in his vehicle from the home due to a dispute she was involved in at the time. He continued that he had come there against his better judgement.

When Mullins spoke with the female, she reported there was a verbal altercation, and that she just wanted to leave. Mullins spoke with a male at the home who reported that Morrell had been at there for most of the day. He continued that he had left to get gas for the car and came back with the woman.

Mullins went back outside and spoke with Morrell again, and he changed his story reportedly that the female had called him to come pick her up at the Bread Box on Old Middlesboro Hwy, LaFollette. He then stated that was when the alleged dispute had occurred, and that he was going to take the woman to Powell Valley Shores to get her away from the home.

After Morrell failed field sobriety tests, Mullins attempted to put Morrell in custody. That’s when Morrell allegedly pulled his hands from him and began to be yelling “please help me out, please don’t arrest me.” Mullins was able to gain control of the Morrell and place him in custody. He was asked if he had anything illegal on his person, and he reported that he did not.

Upon patting Morrell down, the deputy found a glass smoking pipe in his front left trouser pocket. According to the report, he was asked numerous times if he had any other substances in his possession, and he allegedly denied.

When Morrell arrived at the jail several plastic baggies containing a large quantity of a clear rock like substance believed to be Methamphetamine were found in his coat pocket. A burnt rolled cigarette containing a green leafy vegetation thought to be marijuana was discovered.

Morrell, 52, 423 Powell Valley Shores, LaFollette was charged with driving under the influence (DUI), possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of substance with intent to mfg/del/sell, resisting arrest, intro of contraband into a penal facility, possession of Marijuana and violation implied consent law.

According to jail records, Morrell, unemployed, is due in court today. He remains housed this morning in the Campbell County Jail. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 01/13/2022-6AM)