Cocke Co. Sheriff warns about trespassing man with criminal record

COCKE CO., Tenn. (WVLT) - Officials with the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office are asking people to keep an eye out for a man they say has been trespassing and stealing property.

The man, identified as Travis Wilkins, was arrested Tuesday night after Sheriff CJ Ball said he was in possession of a stolen Jeep, but is now no longer in custody after posting bail.

Wilkins along with John Sisk, have been spotted at multiple homes along County Line Road, Pendland Drive, Cosby Highway, Holders Grove Road, and Ball Park Road, according to Sheriff Ball.

“Trespassing and checking out residential homes that he had no business at,” officials said. “The Jeep in the background is no longer in his possession. It was STOLEN and recovered last night by our great hard working deputies.”

After seeing the post on social media, Wilkins spoke to WVLT to share his frustrations as he believes his name is being given unwarranted attention.

“I’m being accused of trespassing, and I’m trespassing nowhere. There’s no sign that says trespassing, it says cabin rentals,” said Wilkins.

According to Wilkins, he approached one home after believing it was an office to rental homes in the area and was there for only a matter of seconds. Ball said there were multiple other homes visited by either Wilkins or Sisk, as he is working to determine if trespassing charges are warranted or not.

The notice to Cocke County residents had people that live nearby uneasy as they grow concerned of unwanted strangers walking up to their home.

“Usually we have all the windows closed, all the blinds closed but we have two new cars outside so that’s a really bad feeling,” said neighbor Barbra Huntley.

Wilkins believed he’s done nothing wrong and this is a misunderstanding, while Sheriff Ball said both Wilkins and Sisk have years of criminal history including theft and felt it necessary to warn the community.

“It’s like I’m a menace to society or something, a neighborhood vigilante it’s just not true,” said Wilkins.

Wilkins said he’s considering filing a lawsuit against the county for the unwanted attention to his name, as Ball urged people to lock their doors if they see trespassers nearby.

Wilkins and Sisk are not wanted at this time, according to Ball.

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