HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. — A Hamilton County man, Dean Allen Martinez, has been arrested for allegedly trespassing, stealing high-voltage wiring, and vandalizing property at the former Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant.
On the afternoon of May 28, 2025, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies noticed an open gate at the long-abandoned military site, which has seen repeated break-ins since 2024. Authorities say the site has been the target of multiple thefts, vandalism incidents, and even arson, causing damage estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Detectives responding to the scene observed fresh tire tracks and heard a vehicle engine nearby. A Nissan truck pulling a trailer loaded with high-voltage wiring was quickly located. The wiring had been stripped from decommissioned utility poles stored on the premises.
A traffic stop led to the arrest of the driver, identified as Dean Allen Martinez. He later admitted to previously visiting the property to gather and scrap materials for profit.
Martinez now faces the following charges:
Aggravated Criminal Trespassing (TCA 39-14-406)
Critical Infrastructure Vandalism (TCA 39-14-411)
Felony Theft (TCA 39-14-103)
He is currently in custody as the investigation continues.
