‘We want to stress there has not been any specific threats’ | ‘Disturbing’ letters found in Campbell Co.

JACKSBORO, Tenn. (WVLT) - Officials in Campbell County provided information Monday on letters that five churches, a business and the Masonic Lodge received. All of the churches were Baptist, according to Campbell County Sheriff Robbie Goins.

Goins did not give specific information about the letters, but did say that they were not specifically threatening.

“We want to stress there has not been any specific threats, once we’ve looked at the letters,” he said.

The only information about the letters he was able to give was that they were several pages in length and not hand-written.

“We had some disturbing things in these letters, but nothing specific,” Goins said, also confirming that the CCSO had increased patrols around the churches that received the letters.

He did confirm that the FBI and Tennessee Highway Patrol are helping investigate the letters, adding that he had “never seen anything like this.”

“What we’re asking is the people in Campbell County and surrounding areas if these letters are found, you can actually call your Sheriff’s Department, local police department or the FBI office in Knoxville,” he said.

As of Monday night, there were no suspects in custody or a description of possible suspects, he said.

Additionally, Goins said that they had access to video footage of a suspect and were processing the tapes.

“We wanted to reach out to media so you guys could help us get the word out that if you see anything out of the ordinary, if you’ve got one of these letters and have not contacted us, feel free to,” Goins said. “It doesn’t matter what county you’re in, contact your sheriff’s department there or the FBI office in Knoxville.”

Goins also asked that any church members or employees make note of suspicious activity, like cars stopping by momentarily, and report that to the CCSO.

“It doesn’t matter what county you’re in- let us know. We want to know,” he said.

He also advised people to not touch the letters.

“Also, we would rather if you find these letters, not to touch them if all possible,” Goins said. “We would rather you call us and we would come out and photograph them. If that’s not the case, we ask would you photograph them and then contact us.”

The CCSO is also planning a town hall with local pastors at the First Baptist Church Thursday at 6 p.m., Goins said.

Copyright 2022 WVLT. All rights reserved.