$10,000 reward offered for information in state forestry vandalism, theft at Franklin State Forest

Tennessee Division of Forestry / Five Tennessee Division of Forestry bulldozers and a transport truck were damaged by vandals at Franklin State Forest on the Marion-Franklin county line sometime between July 12-14. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information in the case. The forest remains closed while state and federal authorities investigate. Tennessee Division of Forestry / Five Tennessee Division of Forestry bulldozers and a transport truck were damaged by vandals at Franklin State Forest on the Marion-Franklin county line sometime between July 12-14. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information in the case. The forest remains closed while state and federal authorities investigate.

By Ben Benton July 22, 2024 3 min read

A state department is offering a $10,000 reward for information in recent vandalism and theft reported at Franklin State Forest in Southeast Tennessee.

Public access to the forest is restricted while the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, FBI and others investigate the theft of property and vandalism of state-owned bulldozers and a transport truck, according to officials.

“As investigators continue to collect evidence at the scene in Franklin County, we are asking for the public’s help with information about the recent crimes,” state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher said in a statement. “Early estimates of the $1 million loss to forestry equipment leave taxpayers footing the bill.”

The Department of Forestry reward is for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.