On Friday, September 20, 2024, the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department was notified by the Lauderdale, Mississippi Sheriff’s Department requesting assistance in locating a missing individual, a fugitive wanted for sexual battery. Mississippi authorities advised the individual had been reported missing since September 11, 2024, and the individual’s vehicle had been towed by a Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper from the rest area on September 16, 2024, at the attendant’s request for being abandoned.
Grundy County Sheriff’s Detectives and THP Troopers searched the area but could not locate the individual.
A K-9 team from the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department was contacted and responded to Monteagle Mountain. The Rhea County cadaver-trained K-9s were able to quickly locate the missing individual deceased in a nearby wooded area. The Monteagle and Sewanee Fire departments responded and recovered the body through rough terrain. The cause of death is still under investigation.
The Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the assistance from Tennessee Highway Patrol and their CID unit, Rhea County Sheriff’s Office, Monteagle Police, Monteagle Fire and Rescue, Sewanee Fire and Rescue, Grundy County EMS, Constable Collins, 12th Judicial District Attorney, Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, and Grundy County 911.
Charles James Campbell
On the evening of September 20, 2024, Charles “Rusty” Campbell, climbed the recreation yard fence at the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. He went over the razor wire fence and fell to the ground. He then fled on foot and ran toward the Northcutt’s Cove area.
Campbell broke into a residence on Northcutt’s Cove and assaulted two elderly residents. Campbell was located in the wooded area near Altamont Cemetery and taken into custody.
Campbell stole a blue bicycle during the escape. If you can identify this bicycle, please contact the Sheriff’s Office.
Campbell is being charged with Felony Escape, Aggravated Burglary, and two counts of injury to elderly. Campbell is in the process of being transported to the Tennessee Department of Corrections until his trial date.
Thanks to the help of Tennessee Highways Patrol, Franklin County EMA, Constable Kyle Collins, Monteagle Fire and Rescue, 12th Judicial District Attorney, and the citizens in the area.
