Arson Investigation Leads to Winchester, Tenn. Man Pleading Guilty to Aggravated Assault Charges

NASHVILLE – A Winchester, Tenn. man has been sentenced to 9-1/2 years with the Tennessee Department of Correction after pleading guilty to eight counts of aggravated assault against law enforcement officers.

Sherman Hargrove, 47, (4186 Decherd Estill Road, Lot 13, Winchester, Tenn.), pleaded guilty on April 30, 2015 in Franklin County, concluding a nearly two-year investigation stemming from a camper trailer fire.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office initially sought assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) Bomb and Arson Section to determine the cause of the Nov. 24, 2013 fire at 4186 Decherd Estill Road, Lot 13.

Investigators determined Hargrove was using the camper trailer as a methamphetamine lab, and he had intentionally started the fire in the camper. Nine police officers sought medical help for exposure to chemical fumes as a result of Hargrove’s fire. Additionally, one police officer sustained a serious leg injury after falling at the scene.

The case against Hargrove was presented to a Franklin County Grand Jury on March 3, 2014. True bills were returned for one count of attempted first-degree murder, eight counts of aggravated assault and one count of aggravated arson, among charges.

“This is another good example of teamwork between the State Fire Marshal’s Office’s Bomb and Arson Section and our local law enforcement partners,” said Bomb and Arson Director Andy Anderson. 

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