The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 07:23 PM

Jellico Police Dispatcher, Fireman Accused Of Selling Drugs At Work After Year-Long Undercover Narcotics Investigation

A man serving as a City of Jellico Police dispatcher and fireman was accused of selling drugs at work after a year-long undercover narcotics investigation.

Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins said that deputies were on the ground arresting and searching for nearly 40 of the county's alleged drug offenders and probation violators since early Monday morning.

Sheriff Goins identified the police dispatcher and fireman as Robert Rookard.

"The alleged activity of Robert Rookard who is a police dispatcher and fireman with the city of Jellico will not stain the good name of the good employees, officers, fireman and leaders of Jellico. If he’s found guilty, he will pay for his actions," Sheriff Goins said.

"Operation Thanksgiving Harvest" has been gathering evidence like drugs, money and vehicles for almost a year.

"Some folks haven’t lived long enough to celebrate another holiday because of drugs and our goal is to keep these alleged drug dealers in jail through the Thanksgiving Holiday. I have made it clear from day one that we will fight the illegal drug system, the pill mills, and the careless and reckless prescription dispensing of opioids where ever it takes us and to whom ever we need to investigate, arrest and prosecute," said Sheriff Goins.


A Campbell County Grand Jury heard criminal evidence just days ago against the individuals arrested.

Crews with the Campbell County Sheriff's Office, District Attorney's 8th Judicial Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, Tennessee Highway Patrol, LaFollette Police Department, Caryville Police Department, Jacksboro Police Department and the Jellico Police Department helped work the case.