A sex offender compliance check operation conducted Wednesday resulted in 11 arrests, the district attorney’s office announced.
The multi-agency effort named Sex Offender Operation Compliance Driver (SO OCD) targeted sex offender compliance in Tipton County and cities of Atoka, Brighton, Covington and Munford.
The agencies participating in the initiative include the 25th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Atoka Police Department, Covington Police Department, Munford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
“We are pleased to work with our local and federal law enforcement partners to conduct compliance checks of sex offenders residing in our communities,” 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark E. Davidson said. “These cases will impact Public Safety in our rural community and cities, and we are glad to support this successful joint operation by aggressively prosecuting these offenders in state court. We want to send this message: If you are a sex offender residing in our communities, obey the rules of supervised release and the law or face the consequences. We want to specifically thank Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley and his staff for organizing this initiative, along with our municipal police departments for their participation. This will be an ongoing operation, and rest assured we will continue our focus on holding offenders accountable.”
On October 5, 2022, law enforcement conducted compliance checks on registered sex offenders in Tipton County, Tennessee. The following arrests and/or charges were made:
  • Steven Leopard was arrested in the Munford area and charged with Violation of the Sex Offender Registry for failing to report his residence and Violation of Community Supervision for Life.
  • Thomas Lee Singleton was arrested in the Munford area and charged with Violation of the Sex Offender Registry for failing to report his residence, Possession of Schedule II Methamphetamine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
  • Brian Keith Howard was arrested in Covington and charged with Possession of Schedule VI Marijuana with Intent.
  • John Malcolm Johnson was arrested in Covington and charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm after he was found with a loaded Savage Arms .32 caliber pistol. In addition, he was charged with a Violation of Community Supervision for Life
  • Clyde Cody Waxler was arrested in Covington and charged with Violation of the Sex Offender Registry for failing to report his residence and a Violation of Probation.
  • Randall Lee Goodwin was arrested via citation in Tipton County and charged with Possession of Schedule II Hydrocodone.
  • Danny Lee Pilkington was arrested in Tipton County and charged with Possession of Schedule VI Marijuana and a Violation of Probation.
  • Jamie Lee Chavez was arrested in Burlison and charged with Violation of the Sex Offender Registry for failing to report.
  • Timothy Edgar Roman was arrested in the Atoka area and charged with a Violation of Probation.
  • Chelsea Raines was arrested in the Burlison area and charged with Possession of Schedule II Methamphetamine with Intent, Possession of Schedule III Suboxone, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In addition, she had outstanding warrants for violation of probation.
  • Brandy Stark was arrested in the Munford area and charged with Possession of Schedule II Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Local police chiefs weighed in on the operation:
Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley said, “Our office is proud to partner with District Attorney General Mark Davidson and his staff as we work together to arrest and prosecute these individuals who violate their sex offender rules and conditions. As you can see, not only did some of these people violate the conditions and rules set forth by the court and the law, they also were charged with additional charges after they were found to be in possession of narcotics or weapons,” said Sheriff Shannon Beasley. “If they wish to continue to violate their rules, conditions and the law, rest assured this will not be the last time they see us. We also want to thank our local and federal partners that assisted us today with this operation.”
“These individuals are required to follow the law. They must stay registered and follow the guidelines. If they do not, they will be held accountable. The Atoka Police Department and our local, state, and federal partners will continue to work diligently to keep our communities safe” said Atoka Police Chief Anthony Rudolph.
“I want to thank District Attorney Mark Davidson and his staff, and Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley and his staff for organizing and hosting this operation. This is yet another example of all the law enforcement agencies in Tipton County, with our state and federal partners, joining together to be proactive in keeping our communities safe” said Covington Police Chief Donna Turner.
“I am glad to see all the police agencies within Tipton County come together along with the DA’s office and work towards one common goal, and that is to keep crime at a low level so all Tipton County residents can feel free and safe to live here” said Munford Police Chief Randal Baskin.
The charges and allegations contained in these cases are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.
Assistant District Attorneys Jason Poyner, Sean Hord, Walt Freeland, and Stephanie Draughon will be prosecuting these cases on behalf of the state.
Echo Day
Author: Echo Day

Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.

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