Dunlap Man Arrested for Stealing Chainsaws from Tree Service

Jeffery Lawrence Williams charged with burglary and theft after police recover over $3,000 in stolen property.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Authorities in Dunlap, Tennessee have arrested Jeffery Lawrence Williams for allegedly breaking into a vehicle at Campbell's Tree Service and stealing over $3,000 worth of chainsaws. Williams was charged with burglary of a motor vehicle and theft of property over $1,000 after a joint investigation by the Dunlap Police Department, the Office of Courtney Lynch (District Attorney General, 12th Judicial District), and the Sequatchie County Sheriff's Office.

Why it matters

Property crimes like vehicle break-ins and theft are an ongoing challenge for small businesses and communities in rural Tennessee. This arrest highlights the collaborative efforts of local law enforcement to investigate and apprehend suspects, as well as the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in the justice system.

The details

According to authorities, the investigation began on Monday, February 23, 2026 after a reported vehicle burglary at Campbell's Tree Service. Working together, the Dunlap Police Department, District Attorney's Office, and Sequatchie County Sheriff's Office were able to identify Jeffery Lawrence Williams as the suspect and recover the stolen chainsaws valued at over $3,000.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • Jeffery Lawrence Williams was arrested on the same day, February 23, 2026.

The players

Jeffery Lawrence Williams

A Dunlap, Tennessee resident who was arrested and charged with burglary and theft.

Courtney Lynch

The District Attorney General for the 12th Judicial District in Tennessee, who worked with local law enforcement on the case.

Campbell's Tree Service

The small business in Dunlap, Tennessee that was the victim of the vehicle break-in and theft.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Jeffery Lawrence Williams at a hearing on Friday, February 28, 2026.

The takeaway

This arrest demonstrates the importance of collaboration between local law enforcement agencies to address property crimes that impact small businesses and rural communities. However, the presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of the justice system until a defendant is proven guilty.