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Looting Concerns Remain for Cocke County Flood Victims

Looting Concerns Remain for Cocke County Flood Victims

Newport, Tennessee (WVLT) – As people across Cocke County rush to take their next steps after their homes have been severely damaged or destroyed by flooding, some are taking advantage of people in one of the lowest moments of their lives.

Sheriff CJ Ball said they have received between 20 and 30 calls reporting people looting amid the disaster.

“Now is not the time, it never is, but doing it while they’re already down is even worse,” Nikki Stokely said.

Stokely lost her home on Fugate Road during the flood more than four weeks ago and said there have been several cases of people breaking into her property and taking belongings left behind.

She said there was a safe inside the home that was carried along with several other items out of the home that had been washed away.

“They take quilts, anything, they just take anything. They are taking things that don’t even make sense. If you have something important at home, get it out while you can,” Stokely said.

Sheriff Ball said there have been no arrests for looting so far because they have not been able to identify any of the people suspected of it.

“To me, whatever the harshest penalty that can be imposed is the one that should be imposed if we catch him,” Sheriff Ball said.

Sheriff Ball said they are increasing patrols in some of the areas where there have been repeated calls of looting in hopes of eliminating any threat to homeowners.