Larry David Ledbetter
Jennifer Nicole Winningham
Jason Allen Hall
Holly Nicole Morgan
(Smith County Insider Press) – On February 7, 2020, Sergeant Ridge Long noticed a white Chevy SUV parked behind Walmart, near the fire exit. Sergeant Long pulled into the parking lot and made contact with the driver, Larry Ledbetter (39, Monterey), and passenger, Jennifer Winningham (28, Cookeville), who both appeared to be extremely nervous.
According to the police report, Winningham stated she worked at Walmart, but could not provide a work ID, name tag, or Walmart vest. While speaking with Ledbetter, he stated he did not know what was going on and was unable to tell Sergeant Long why he was parked behind the store near the fire exit. When asked if who was in the store and if they were shoplifting, Ledbetter replied “them, and they may be.” Due to his statements, both Ledbetter and Winningham were detained for investigation.
While detaining Winningham and Ledbetter, Sergeant Long observed Jason Hall (43, Cookeville) walk out of the fire exit of the store pulling a shopping cart containing several items. Hall was told to place his hands above his head and was detained without incident.
Lieutenant Steve Babcock, Lieutenant Ronnie Maynard, Sergeant Dusty Hailey, and Carthage Police Officer Jordan Martin arrived on the scene, and information that an additional female was inside the store was obtained. Lieutenant Babcock, Sergeant Hailey, and Sergeant Long entered the store and made contact with Holly Morgan (33, Cookeville), who was holding more merchandise. Morgan was detained and escorted to the back of the store.
According to the police report, the individuals were patted down in preparation for transport to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. Ledbetter was found to be in possession of three baggies containing a small amount of methamphetamine. Hall was in possession of a used syringe. A search of the vehicle yielded a black bag containing 18 used syringes and 6 spoons containing residue and burn marks. A spoon and glass pipe containing residue were found in the trunk of the vehicle.
During investigation it was determined that Ledbetter and Winningham were to drive the vehicle in order to get away, and all individuals have been involved in previous thefts at Walmarts in Cookeville, Algood, and Sparta. The total value of all items taken was $897.77. All were taken to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office for Booking.
Ledbetter is charged with simple possession of narcotics, criminal responsibility, and felony possession of drug paraphernalia.
Winningham is charged with criminal responsibility, and felony possession of drug paraphernalia.
Hall is charged with felony possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of property.
Morgan is charged with felony possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of property.
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