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Grundy County Sheriff’s Department Responds to Lawsuit

Press Release from the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department:

We are aware of recent reports regarding a lawsuit filed against the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office in connection with an in-custody death that was released by the news media. It is essential to provide the community with accurate information about the incident involving Ronnie Ledbetter.
During a crash investigation, Ledbetter has assaulted first responders by kicking and spitting blood on them. One respondent was gouged in the eye and struck by Ledbetter.
First, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) conducted a thorough investigation into this tragic event. Their findings cleared the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office of any criminal wrongdoing or foul play. Additionally, the official autopsy report confirmed the cause of death as an overdose, not due to any actions taken by deputies.
The report also found that fractured ribs were consistent with life-saving CPR efforts, which is a medically recognized risk of performing CPR, especially in emergency situations.
Contrary to claims made in the recent news report, at no time did deputies drag a lifeless body or beat the individual involved. In fact, some of the individuals named as being present at the scene were not even in the state at the time of the incident.
Furthermore, as of today, the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office has not been formally served with any lawsuit regarding this case.
After being brought into custody, it was found that Ledbetter was wanted in Franklin County for different reasons. Ledbetter was also a registered violent sex offender with violations.
We take our responsibility to the community seriously and will continue to cooperate with any lawful processes. We ask for patience and respect as the legal process unfolds and as we focus on serving and protecting the people of Grundy County. We also stand firmly behind our deputies and correctional officers on this matter.

Ronald Glenn Ledbetter

Click here to read the lawsuit: Ledbetter

Previous Story:

During the early morning hours of May 29, 2024, Grundy County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a one vehicle crash on Sherrell Rd in Pelham.

While deputies were responding, information was relayed that the single white male occupant later identified as Ronnie Ledbetter became combative with on scene EMS personnel and physically assaulted one of them.

Upon the arrival of deputies, Ledbetter appeared as if he was heavily intoxicated on some type of narcotic and continued to be combative and was actively resisting. After being cleared on scene by EMS personnel, Ledbetter was taken into custody and placed inside the back of a clearly marked Grundy County patrol unit. Ledbetter began trying to kick the glass out of the unit, along with head butting the glass. This individual was moved into a unit with bars on the windows and transported to the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office in Altamont, TN.

Upon arrival at the jail, Ledbetter continued to fight and resist deputies while getting him out of the patrol unit and into a booking cell. Once inside the jail Ledbetter was secured and his handcuffs were removed.

As deputies placed him in a seated position, they observed he had stopped breathing. Narcan was administered at the same time CPR action began. An AED was placed on Ledbetter, and lifesaving efforts were performed.

Ledbetter was transported to the hospital in Sewanee, TN by ambulance while CPR was being performed. Upon arrival at the hospital, he was pronounced deceased.

The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office has contacted the 12th Judicial District Attorney and is working with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations (TBI).

Ronnie Ledbetter was later found to be a registered sex offender out of Franklin County with active warrants. Ledbetter’s warrant also identified him as an escape risk.

Camera footage from the jail, and from the original scene was given to TBI.

Lucky Knott

Lucky Knott is a longtime broadcaster, sportscaster, and news reporter, having worked in radio here in the Sequatchie Valley and in Coffee and Grundy County for many years. You can hear his news reports weekday mornings and afternoons on The River 104.9 WEPG in Marion County and Country Roads 93.3 in Dunlap/Pikeville. He is also Editor for SValleyNow.com - Sequatchie Valley Now.