Image Credit: WCSO, Gov. Bill Lee Facebook, American Archer on X
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
Eight migrant workers who were initially arrested on suspicion of looting in a flood-ravaged area in Washington County at the end of September appeared in court on Monday where a judge dismissed all charges against them.
When the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) first took the eight men into custody they allegedly had belongings from houses that had sustained damage from Hurricane Helene in their possession. Three of the eight, who speak little to no English, were charged with burglary, and the other five with aggravated burglary.
WCSO was alerted to the area where Javier Torres and his sister own property after a 911 caller reported that a group of Hispanic males were allegedly breaking and entering houses in the 1700 block of Corby Bridge Road on the afternoon of September 28th.
The men were each initially given a $20,000 bond but after an interpreter was found to aid their appearance in General Sessions Court, this was decreased to $1,000.
Torres testified at the bail hearing that the men are employed by him and that they come to the United States on an annual basis to work for him on his farm on legal work visas.
Because the men live close to his property, Torres had sent them to check out the condition of the property, asking them to take photos as he was in Florida at the time.
At Monday’s hearing, five witnesses were called to testify, some property owners and others responding deputies. One of the witnesses had been checking on a friend’s home and saw three of the men leaving the property.
The court decided that there was no proof that anything had been taken from the home specifically and they were not trespassing as Torres had directed them to visit his property.
The case is now dismissed and all charges against the eight have been dropped.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Are all of them legally here in the USA? Working for a Hispanic farmer does not explain if they entered legally or not. Do any have a criminal history here or in Mexico? Why did the farmer hire them instead of out of work citizens? A fair working wage paid would attract citizens to the jobs. Investigate this Farmer and all the workers involved under his “protection”. They may well be the drug cartel way station on their trail of death and misery. All “migrants ” now should be closely examined and watched and their employers, until they leave the country or become citizens. More than 20 million illegals in this country and millions legal that are very questionable and likely should be expelled from our nation. All “migrants” should be suspect and scrutinized and the people who hire them or harbor/aid them.