A successful collaborative operation between the US Marshall and the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) concluded with the arrest of Christopher Hinson, a 39-year-old resident of Dandridge. Hinson faces multiple charges as a result of the operation, which involved a warrant service at Newport’s Motel 6.

According to a detailed report filed by CCSO Narcotic Agent Blake Cupp, law enforcement officials executed the operation on December 4th, armed with arrest warrants for Hinson due to violations of probation and the sex registry. Upon entering the room where Hinson was residing, the report states that he was found lying on the bed alongside an unknown woman, later identified as Valarie Smith.

The report further reveals that Hinson was repeatedly instructed to exit the room with his hands raised. During this encounter, Hinson was observed discarding an object into a clear container positioned on the bed. Both Hinson and Smith were subsequently apprehended without any resistance.

During the subsequent search of Hinson’s person, law enforcement officers discovered $195 in US currency, along with 16 individual packages of orange strips resembling Suboxone. The cash was meticulously counted in front of Hinson to ensure transparency.

Smith, who claimed to have rented the room under her name, willingly granted permission for law enforcement to search the premises. She was advised that she could revoke her consent at any time, and she acknowledged her understanding on a body camera issued by the department.

Upon conducting a thorough search of the room, officers located the container that Hinson had allegedly discarded. Inside, they discovered two bags containing a brown powdery substance, weighing approximately 19.8 grams, suspected to be heroin. Additionally, a nightstand next to the bed yielded 12.2 grams of marijuana and 4.5 grams of mushrooms.

In addition to the existing arrest warrants, Hinson now faces charges of possessing schedule I substances (x2), schedule III substances, and schedule VI narcotics.

The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Hinson has been denied bond for the violation of probation charge. However, a bond of $80,000 has been set for the remaining charges.