Wilmoth faces numerous charges, including drugs

See story for details

See story for details

Charles Wilmoth

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A 41-year-old Sparta man faces multiple charges after a pursuit by White County deputies.

For the second time in less than a week, White County law enforcement officers were faced with a pursuit after the driver reportedly refused to yield to emergency lights/sirens.

On Jan. 8, 2023, at approximately 3:56 p.m., Deputy Richard Bullard and Deputy Jacob Sparks, of White County Sheriff’s Office, attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a dark colored Chevy Malibu, on Duck Pond Road, for a traffic violation.

According to a press release issued by the sheriff’s office, the driver, who was later identified as Charles Robert Wilmoth, 41, of Sparta, failed to stop for emergency lights/sirens. Wilmoth reportedly sped off at a high rate of speed, leading deputies at over 100 mph on multiple county and state roads.

Maj. John Meadows, of White County Sheriff’s Office, was notified of the pursuit heading in his direction. Maj. Meadows set up spike strips in an attempt to stop the vehicle near Smithville Highway and Hutchings College Road. The spiking was successful by hitting the driver’s side front and back tires and forced the vehicle to travel at a slower speed.

Wilmoth’s vehicle reportedly continued westbound, on Smithville Highway, near Griffintown Road, where Deputy Brandon Bean attempted to get in front of Wilmoth’s vehicle. At that time, Wilmoth allegedly pointed a pistol out of the driver’s window toward Deputy Bean.

Wilmoth then proceeded on Peeled Chestnut Road, John Kirby Loop, and Old Smithville Highway, reportedly running through numerous stop signs at high rates of speed, with only two wheels and tires. According to the press release, the vehicle continued to Old Kentucky Road and Old Smithville Highway when Wilmoth lost control and exited the vehicle on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, deputies apprehended Wilmoth.

Wilmoth was arrested without incident. Deputies collaborated throughout the investigation to find the pistol that Wilmoth allegedly had aimed at Deputy Bean. The pistol was reportedly located on the left side of Peeled Chestnut Road and retrieved for evidence.

Deputies observed in the vehicle several items that were in plain view: a green leafy substance that was believed to be marijuana, glass pipes, electronic scales, baggies, mobile phones, residue-filled containers, and an extra magazine with ammunition that matched the weapon deputies recovered on Peeled Chestnut Road.

Wilmoth was reportedly found in possession of a green powdery substance believed to be fentanyl and a large amount of cash. All items were taken in as evidence and seized as part of the ongoing investigation.

Wilmoth was booked into White County Jail and charged with window tinting, evading arrest, aggravated assault, failure to stop at all stop signs/signals, reckless endangerment, evading arrest by motor vehicle, speeding, schedule VI possession with intent to manufacture/deliver/sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, schedule II possession with intent to manufacture/deliver/sell, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and introduction of contraband into a penal facility.

Wilmoth’s bond was set at $150,000. He was scheduled to appear in White County General Sessions Court, on Jan. 10, 2023.