Monroe County sheriff’s deputies are asking residents to keep their eyes open and their phones handy as they search for a 31-year-old man wanted on a felony domestic-violence charge. The suspect, identified as Michael Lee Smallwood, is accused of aggravated assault by domestic violence, and authorities say he should be considered potentially dangerous.
According to the sheriff’s bulletin, Smallwood was born Sept. 15, 1994, and is described as 6 feet 1 inch tall, about 285 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. The notice lists Lieutenant Billy Littleton as the point of contact for the case and provides local tip-line numbers for anyone who might know where Smallwood is. The wanted post was shared by Sheriff Tommy Jones on Facebook.
How to Report Tips
Anyone with information is asked to call Lieutenant Billy Littleton at (423) 442-5002, ext. 5, or Monroe County Dispatch at (423) 442-4357 for non-emergencies. If you spot the suspect and someone is in immediate danger, authorities say to skip the detective work and dial 911 right away. Monroe County’s official contact page lists the dispatch number and other sheriff’s office lines for verification, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
What the Charge Means
Under Tennessee law, aggravated assault is charged when an assault causes serious bodily injury, involves a deadly weapon, or includes strangulation, and it can be prosecuted as a felony. Because the sheriff’s office describes this case as "aggravated assault by domestic violence," prosecutors could pursue felony charges if the evidence supports that classification. The statutory language and possible penalties are laid out in Tennessee Code 9-13-102.
Sheriff's Posts Have Worked Before
Sheriff Tommy Jones regularly turns to Facebook for wanted notices and community alerts, and local coverage has shown that these online blasts can generate tips that help move cases along. That track record shows up in earlier reporting on a Facebook call for the public's aid. As always, residents are reminded not to confront anyone believed to be armed or dangerous and to let law enforcement handle the contact.
