A suspect in a drive-by shooting now has charges in federal court. James Clarence Maney was indicted by a grand jury for two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maney has also been charged in state court with attempted first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The charges are the result of a drive-by shooting last month

Maney surrendered at the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office after he was identified as one of the suspects in gunfire directed toward a home on 31^st Street. Sheriff’s investigators found eight rounds penetrated the side of the house, and two were in the mattress where the elderly resident was sleeping on the morning of the incident.

The federal court indictment cites two incidents where Maney was in possession of a firearm.

In November 2006 deputies from the sheriff’s office responded to Maney’s residence in response to calls of a domestic disturbance. During an investigation it was determined the incident was verbal but the female party in the disagreement alleged Maney had pointed a rifle toward her. The gun was seized.

Then on September 19 deputies were sent to 31^st Street to investigate damage from gunfire that narrowly missed the elderly resident. Maney and another person were subsequently charged with the crime.

At a detention hearing on Tuesday in federal court, Maney was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshall’s Service.

Sheriff Gobble Takes Committee Post with Sheriff's Association

Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble was recently appointed to the Legislative Committee of the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association for 2007-2008. The committee is made up of sheriff’s from across the state who evaluate law enforcement bills that are to be considered by the General Assembly and then determine those in the best interest of T-S-A to support.

The Tennessee Sheriff’s Association, a non-profit organization chartered in 1971, is dedicated to improve county law enforcement. It’s mission is to promote effective law enforcement, high standards of ethical conduct, better communication and cooperation among law enforcement jurisdictions, improved efficiency, and the exchange of knowledge and experience among sheriff’s.

Since his election just over a year ago Sheriff Gobble has supported T-S-A’s mission and their contributions to improve county law enforcement.

He takes a great deal of pride being asked to serve.

"Since I became sheriff just over a year ago, I have been a strong supporter and advocate of the association’s mission. I believe their work in the legislative process is key to enacting laws that protect the welfare of law abiding citizens of this great state. I am honored to accept this appointment," he said.

The committee will meet periodically to review hundreds of bills that are filed for the 105^th General  Assembly when it reconvenes on January 8,  2008.  

Well, I’ve passed my one-year mark as Sheriff of Bradley County and I must say, it’s been a pleasure serving you all. We’ve faced some tough challenges, but overall we’ve seen a lot of improvements in this office and I feel we’ve laid down a firm foundation upon which to build for the future.

But one of my greatest pleasures this first year has been having the opportunity to personally meet so many Bradley County citizens. I’ve said it before but it bears repeating ~ we have some of the greatest folks on earth living right here in Cleveland/Bradley. This community has supported the BCSO in a big way and I think it’s only fair the BCSO give something back.

That’s why we’ve decided to invite you all to the first Sheriff’s Family Day which will be held on Sat. October 13, from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. at Stuart School (Keith & 20th - Click for Map ). This will be a time when everyone can turn out and enjoy a day of family-friendly activities and entertainment, courtesy of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and plan on enjoying plenty of free food, live entertainment, fun for the kids, door prizes and a whole lot more. And no taxpayer money will be spent on this event, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and sponsors who are donating their time, services, food and merchandise.

This Family Day is still evolving, but at this time we have arranged for air toys for the kids, the moonwalk, face painting, horseback rides and give-aways. There will be various contests that will test the skills of young and old alike, a kissing booth, live music and stage performances, the TWRA diorama and a whole lot more. We’ve also gotten some of our local vendors and artisans to donate wares and products to be given away as door prizes. Folks, I’ve seen some of these door prizes and believe me, they’re nice.