Long before meth, moonshine was popular around Campbell County

Sheriff John Dossett is featured in this classic photo

By Charlie Hutson

CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN (WLAF)- The picture shows the results of a moonshiner raid carried out at Flat Hollow in 1963.

Long time law enforcement officer Johnny Jones’ father, Ed Jones, is in this picture. The younger Jones tells a story that his father told him.

“When Sheriff John Dossett would start the search to find illegal still operations, Mrs. Dossett would take these men in the picture to Flat Hollow and drop them off. He would then return at an appointed time to pick them up (you have to realize that radio communication was limited in those days). Mrs. Dossett would drive up and down Flat Hollow Road until they came out of the woods,” said Johnny Jones.

This operation netted three stills and 50 gallons on moonshine and some operators. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-05/21/2026-6AM)