By Lewis Loflin
In 2014, Johnson City, Tennessee, a community of about 65,000 residents, faced challenges with crime that mirrored broader trends in the region. According to FBI crime data from that year, the city reported a violent crime rate of approximately 423 per 100,000 people, slightly above the national average of 375 per 100,000. Property crimes, such as burglary, were more prevalent, with a rate of around 4,200 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 2,596 per 100,000. Drug-related incidents were also a focus for law enforcement, reflecting a growing concern over opioid and marijuana-related issues in Tennessee at the time. The Johnson City Police Department played a key role in addressing these issues, responding to a range of incidents from domestic disputes to drug possession, as highlighted in the following arrest reports from May and June 2014.
On May 25, 2014, Johnson City Police Department officers arrested Amy M. Crawford, a 42-year-old resident of 404 Welbourne Street, Johnson City, Tennessee. She faced charges of aggravated burglary, child abuse, simple assault (domestic), and public intoxication following an incident at 508 E. Fairview Avenue.
At around 3:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of a domestic dispute. According to the victims, Crawford arrived at the residence and engaged in an argument outside before entering the home without permission. Inside, the situation escalated into a physical altercation involving the victims, one of whom was a 4-year-old child. Officers located Crawford a short distance from the scene, noting signs of intoxication, including unsteady movement, slurred speech, and the smell of alcohol. She was taken into custody and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where she was held on a $30,000 bond. Her arraignment was scheduled for May 27, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. in Washington County General Sessions Court. This incident underscores the challenges of addressing domestic disputes, particularly when they involve vulnerable individuals like children, and highlights the importance of swift police intervention to ensure community safety.
On May 31, 2014, at approximately 8:45 p.m., Johnson City Police Department officers arrested Stephanie Duggar, a 28-year-old woman from Johnson City, Tennessee. The arrest followed an investigation into an aggravated assault (domestic) at 502 Swadley Road. During a domestic dispute, Duggar allegedly struck the victim, causing a laceration to their back and an injury to their head. She was taken into custody and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where she awaited her court appearance. Duggar was scheduled to appear in Washington County General Sessions Court on June 2, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. Domestic violence incidents, like this one, often require careful handling by law enforcement to protect victims and address underlying issues within the community, reflecting the broader challenge of fostering safe and supportive environments for residents.
On June 4, 2014, Johnson City Police Department officers arrested Gerald A. Biauce, a 30-year-old man from Johnson City, Tennessee, on charges of felony possession of Schedule VI narcotics (marijuana) for resale and unlawful drug paraphernalia. The arrest stemmed from a 911 call reporting a suspicious individual, possibly intoxicated, at 150 W. State of Franklin Road in Downtown Square. Upon arrival, officers observed Biauce displaying slight signs of intoxication. Further investigation revealed he was in possession of approximately 11.1 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and 15 empty baggies, with the marijuana packaged in six smaller baggies, indicating potential intent for resale. Biauce was arrested and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he was held on an $11,000 bond. He was scheduled to appear in Washington County General Sessions Court on June 5, 2014. This arrest reflects ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to address drug-related activities, a significant concern in the region during 2014, as communities worked to curb the impact of drug distribution on public safety.
Following these arrests, each individual was processed at the Washington County Detention Center and assigned a bond based on the severity of their charges. In Tennessee, an arraignment typically occurs within a few days of arrest in General Sessions Court, where defendants are formally charged, informed of their rights, and given the opportunity to enter a plea. The bonds set in these cases—$30,000 for Crawford, an undisclosed amount for Duggar, and $11,000 for Biauce—reflect the court’s assessment of the risk posed by each individual and the nature of their offenses. These cases highlight the role of the legal system in addressing community safety concerns, ensuring accountability, and providing opportunities for rehabilitation where appropriate. As Johnson City continues to grow, such efforts by law enforcement and the courts remain essential to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all residents.
