Undercover Sting Operation Nets Multiple Arrests at Douglas Dam

The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office has rounded up eight suspects on charges of sexual battery and indecent exposure. According to Sheriff Ron Seals, the suspects were arrested on the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Douglas Dam Reservation in Sevier County over the past few weeks.

Seals said the SCSO and TVA Police have been working a joint undercover operation since June after learning the reservation was being used as a meeting place for sexual activity. Seals said the Sheriff’s Office also increased patrols.

The investigation revealed the suspects used Internet web sites to solicit sex and used the parking lots and scenic trails in the area to conduct sexual acts.

Seals said the Sheriff’s Office will continue increased patrols on the TVA properties in Sevier County, and expects more undercover operations will be conducted in the future to deter these activities on and around Douglas Dam.

Sheriff Seals said the recreation area at Douglas Dam Reservation is a place where families come to enjoy camping, picnicking and fishing. He said his department will continue to work with TVA Police to curb illicit activity.

“TVA is committed to keeping our properties family friendly environments,” echoed David G. Jolley, TVA vice president of Security and Emergency Management. “Our partnerships with local departments such as Sevier County are critical to achieving that goal.”

The following suspects were cited for Public Indecency pursuant to TCA 39-13-511, which states that the 1st and 2nd offense is a misdemeanor:

John L. Walker Jr., age 36,

Dandridge, Tenn.

Daniel N. White, age 56

Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Allen K. Ogle, age 31

Kodak, Tenn.

David R. Wilson, age 58

Kodak Tenn.

Michael W. Utz, age 59

Strawberry Plains Tenn.

The following persons have been arrested and charged with sexual battery:

Darrell J. Doucet, age 48

Jefferson City. Tenn.

Russell A. Miller, age 49

Sevierville, Tenn.

Larry G. Oleson, age 67

Sevierville, Tenn.

Hearing dates have been set for the above subjects in Sevier County General Sessions Court in August.