Morton Charged With Theft Over $10,000



Morton Charged With Theft Over $10,000

Woodbury Police Chief Tony Burnett leads Sharon Morton into the Woodbury Police Department following her arrest Tuesday. (TONY STINNETT photos)

Sharon Morton of 2966 Bradyville Rd. was arrested on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010 and charged with Theft over $10,000 and violation of probation by the Woodbury Police Department.

The arrest occurred following a month-long investigation by Chief Tony Burnett and Sgt. Kevin Mooneyham. The investigation began after tenants at South Ridge Apts. stated to Sgt. Mooneyham that they had been paying rent with cash.

Chief Burnett had taken a burglary report at the apartments and remembered Sharon Morton stating that no cash had been taken and also remembered signs in the office that stated no cash.

Chief Burnett also contacted MACO Management in Crossville and an investigation began by Chief Burnett and Sgt. Kevin Mooneyham.

"We have gathered a lot of information and evidence that shows Ms. Morton has been taking money from these tenants and MACO Management," Chief Burnett said. "There is also an ongoing investigation in DeKalb County where Ms. Morton manages two other sets of apartment complexes."

On Tuesday, September 28, 2010 a search warrant was executed at the home of Sharon Morton where missing receipt books along with 15 long guns and one handgun were confiscated.

MACO Management has been very helpful and cooperative in this investigation and vows to maintain their integrity to their tenants. If anyone has given cash for rent or security deposits since August 2009 at Southridge Apts. and we have not yet spoke to you, please contact the Woodbury Police Dept., Burnett said.

Sharon Morton entered a guilty plea to Theft over $10,000 in May of this year in Rutherford County. She has been charged with theft over $10,000 by the Woodbury Police Dept. and Violation of Probation in Rutherford County. She has been placed under $30,000 bond in Cannon County and $750,000.00 bond in Rutherford County. She is set to appear before the Honarable Judge Susan Melton on October 18 at 9:00 A.M.

The Woodbury Police Dept. would like to thank Officer John Fesmire, Cannon County Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Gullett, Officer Chris Brown and Cannon County Sheriff's Deputy Travis Turney for their assistance in the execution of the warrant and arrest.

Woodbury Police Officer Chris Brown takes some of the guns taken during the search of Sharon Morton's home from a patrol unit Tuesday.

Woodbury Police Officer John Fesmire takes some of the 15 long guns confiscated during the search of Sharon Morton's home from a patrol unit Tuesday.