Kentucky Man Ordered to Pay $15K for Henry County Timber Theft

NASHVILLE — A Kentucky man has been ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution to a Henry County property owner following a timber theft investigation conducted by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Crime Unit (ACU).

In January 2026, ACU Special Agent Morris Rogers received a report from a Henry County resident that several white oak trees had been cut and removed from his property without permission. During the investigation, Rogers determined that James Thomas Williams Jr., of Murray, Ky., intentionally entered Jones' property and harvested timber.

A consulting forester determined that approximately $18,000 worth of timber had been cut and removed from the property.

Following the investigation, Rogers obtained warrants charging Williams with theft of property over $10,000 and criminal trespass. The Henry County Sheriff’s Department extradited Williams to Tennessee in February.

On May 28, 2026, Williams pleaded guilty in Henry County General Sessions Court to aggravated trespassing. As part of a negotiated plea agreement, he was ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution to the victim.

 "The goal in cases like this is to make the victim as whole as possible," Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt said. "Recovering losses for Tennessee landowners is an important part of justice. If someone chooses to commit an agricultural crime in Tennessee, they should know we will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate the case and hold those responsible accountable."

ACU Special Agent in Charge Greg Whitehead said timber theft can have significant financial impacts on landowners, making thorough investigations critical.

 "Timber is a valuable agricultural commodity, and these cases often require extensive investigation to document ownership, determine value and establish criminal intent," Whitehead said. "Our priority is protecting Tennessee's farmers and landowners while pursuing outcomes that help restore victims' losses whenever possible."

ACU investigates agricultural-related crimes across Tennessee, including livestock theft, timber theft, equipment theft, crop theft and other offenses affecting the state's agricultural community. The unit consists of 10 special agents strategically located across the state, from Memphis to Mountain City, with each agent responsible for approximately nine to 12 counties.

ACU investigated 60 cases in June 2026.