A Rogersville couple, Zants Miller Davis, 30, and Elizabeth Virginia Dodson, 43, were arrested after allegedly attempting to steal copper from machinery at the old Pressmen’s Home campus on Dec. 23, 2024. They are now facing burglary and other charges.
According to Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jordan Bryant, officers responded to a trespassing complaint at the Pressmen’s Home location on Spring Way, north of Rogersville. Upon arrival, Bryant found an open door at the property and began investigating. He discovered a black jacket with a power drill and other items inside the building, near machinery that appeared to have copper being stripped from it.
A phone charging inside the jacket led deputies to believe the owner was nearby. After searching the surrounding woods, officers found Zants Davis hiding in the brush. When asked why he was hiding, Davis said he had seen the officers approach and had laid down to avoid being seen.
Davis identified the items inside the building as possibly belonging to his girlfriend, Elizabeth Dodson. He said he didn’t know where she was, as she had walked away earlier. During a search, deputies found 0.48 grams of methamphetamine on Davis and placed him under arrest.
Meanwhile, deputies returned to the area where Davis had been found and discovered Dodson hiding behind machinery. She was carrying a crowbar with copper markings, suggesting it had been used in the attempted copper theft.
Dodson was charged with burglary, criminal trespassing, and possession of burglary tools. Davis was charged with attempted burglary, criminal trespassing, meth possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Both suspects were arraigned on Dec. 30, 2024, and are being held on $10,000 bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 6, 2025.
