A 49-year-old Ooltewah man, Joel Donald Brown, has been arrested and charged in connection with one of the largest cases of infrastructure vandalism and theft in the region, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
Brown was taken into custody during a traffic stop on Sunday morning, following an investigation into repeated incidents of trespassing, vandalism, and large-scale theft at the Volunteer Ammunition property.
Between late 2024 and August 2025, authorities say Brown cut down power poles and removed de-energized high-voltage aluminum cables, causing an estimated $510,000 in property damage. The stolen cable was allegedly sold as scrap metal, netting up to $412,000 in illicit profits.
The HCSO stated the case represents a significant threat to critical electric grid infrastructure and emphasized the scale of the crime.
Brown is currently being held at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center. His court appearance is scheduled for September 5.
Authorities credited the investigation with bringing closure to a major case of infrastructure sabotage and theft in Tennessee.
