911 worker quits amid meth lab allegations

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

BRENDA THOMPSON

Embattled 911 operations coordinator Brenda Thompson has resigned her longtime position as investigators continue to probe her connection with a meth lab found at her home and any compromises in security at the emergency dispatch center.

Thompson was charged with facilitation of manufacture of meth and maintaining a dwelling for manufacture of drugs after lawmen raided her home in the Earleyville community nine days ago. Her husband, Terry Thompson, was arrested for manufacturing meth after officers found numerous items used in the production of meth inside a root cellar located in an outbuilding about 10 feet behind their Short Mountain Road home. A surveillance system which guarded the building was also discovered, as was a large amount of methamphetamine.

Mrs. Thompson, who had worked at 911 since its inception over 10 years ago, was placed on administrative leave immediately following her arrest. Her resignation came last week after her release on bond from jail.

According to E-911 director Chuck Haston, Thompson was a valuable employee and her arrest on the serious felony charges came as a big surprise. While not being accused at this point of producing the drugs, lawmen suspect she knew the illegal enterprise was going on feet from her back door.

“She was instrumental in making this place work,” Haston said. “This is a major loss for us but everyone is pitching in to pull things together. I don’t think anyone ever saw this coming.”

Haston said 911 is cooperating with an ongoing Tennessee Bureau of Investigation probe into Thompson’s professional career.

According to local lawmen, 911 operators sometimes have access to sensitive data as it applies to ongoing operations, running things like license checks and histories.