Authorities in East Tennessee are asking for the public's help finding Ashley Coffey, who they say is wanted on multiple narcotics charges and may be in either Grainger County or Jefferson County.
In a wanted notice posted Saturday, East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers said Coffey is named in a Jefferson County Sheriff's Office media release and is accused of eight counts of sale and delivery of Schedule II narcotics. Officials are warning residents not to approach her and instead to contact law enforcement. Crime Stoppers added that anonymous tips that lead to an arrest could qualify for a cash reward.
What officials say
According to a Facebook post by East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office issued a media release naming Coffey and stating that she is wanted on eight counts of sale and delivery of Schedule II narcotics. The post notes she could be in either Grainger County or Jefferson County and urges anyone who spots her or has information about her whereabouts to contact law enforcement rather than engage with her directly.
How to submit tips
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers says it operates an anonymous tipline and that callers may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest. The group lists a hotline, an online tip form, and access through the P3 Tips mobile app. Per East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers, the hotline number is 865-215-7165, and reward amounts are set by Crime Stoppers with a maximum of $2,000.
If you believe you have seen Coffey and it is not an emergency, contact Jefferson County Central Dispatch at 865-475-6855. For situations involving immediate danger, officials say to call 9-1-1. The Facebook post also notes that tipsters can submit information by text and through the P3 Tips app.
Legal context
Under Tennessee law, knowingly manufacturing, delivering, or selling a Schedule II controlled substance is a felony, with penalties that vary based on the specific drug and the quantity involved. The elements of the offense and potential sentencing ranges are set out in Tenn. Code § 39-17-417, as published by FindLaw. Convictions for distribution-related offenses can carry years of prison time and substantial fines, depending on the case details.
Police are asking anyone with information on Coffey's whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers or local dispatch and to avoid approaching her. Tipsters who want to stay anonymous can reach Crime Stoppers by phone, online, or through the P3 Tips app. In emergencies, authorities emphasize that people should call 9-1-1.
