A 47-year-old man wanted on violent felony charges in Alabama and Georgia was arrested at a Nashville hospital last Friday after he showed up for what police say was an unrelated medical matter. Joey David Gasparetto now faces a $100,000 bond and a court appearance scheduled for Monday morning as he faces charges including strangulation and strong-arm rape.
According to WKRN News 2, Gasparetto was at the Nashville hospital for an incident unrelated to the warrants against him when officers with the Metro Nashville Police Department identified him as a fugitive. Officers reportedly confirmed his identity with both medical staff and Gasparetto himself before taking him into custody. Arrest records cited by the station show he is now facing charges of strong-arm rape, strangulation, damaged public property, and a probation violation, with bond set at $100,000 according to Howard Gentry Criminal Court records.
A Pattern of Northern Alabama Run-Ins
Gasparetto's arrest in Nashville is not his first documented brush with law enforcement. Years earlier, in July 2021, the Limestone County Sheriff's Office arrested him on misdemeanor charges of public intoxication and possession of drug paraphernalia, as reported by the Athens News Courier.
His legal exposure in this case involves Alabama and Georgia.
What Happens Next in Court
Tennessee law provides a process for handling out-of-state fugitives. Under the Tennessee Uniform Criminal Extradition Act, codified at Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-9-103, a Tennessee judge or magistrate must issue an arrest warrant when the statute's qualifying oath or complaint and affidavit requirements are met, directing the sheriff to apprehend the person and bring the person before a judge or magistrate, according to Justia Law. Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-9-108 governs recommitment and bail after the expiration of a governor's warrant deadline and restricts release when an extradition fugitive files a protest, per FindLaw.
The strangulation charge remains among those listed in the arrest records.
The Nashville Hospital Arrest
Gasparetto's case centers on a fugitive arrested at a Nashville hospital.
Gasparetto's arrest occurred during an unrelated medical visit, according to police.
Gasparetto's court appearance is scheduled for Monday morning. This remains a developing story.
