Criminal Threats Cause Partial Closure of TN National Forest

 Posted on January 27, 2025 in Criminal Defense

This past October, public access to the eastern half of the Franklin State Forest was suspended after serious threats were made that would threaten the safety of visitors to the forest. Claims were made that areas in the forest where loggers were working on a harvest operation had been "spiked." Spiking is a type of forest industry sabotage where a metal rod is hammered into the base of a tree near where a logger or firefighter would cut.

In some instances, the metal rods are placed higher, where they could affect a sawmill. Spikes can damage saw blades, causing flying metal and wood pieces; they can also cause chainsaws to "kickback." These reactions to spikes can result in serious injuries or death. It is believed that the threats were from a group connected to opposition to management practices on forest land.

The Tennessee Agricultural Crime Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation continue to investigate the claims, but in the interests of safety, public access to part of the forest remains closed. Because it is on forest land, criminal threats of this nature can result in federal charges with severe penalties. If you have been charged federally with making criminal threats, the best step you can take is to speak to a knowledgeable Knox County, TN criminal defense attorney.

Crimes Committed on Public Lands

Public lands managed by federal, state, or local governments are generally open only for designated purposes. In the case of national parks, the purpose is to allow visitors to camp, hike, and picnic and, in some cases, allow ranchers to pay a fee for access to grazing lands for their animals.

The government takes the protection of these lands very seriously, making the rules that prohibit certain behaviors on public lands fairly strict. The federal statutes that define crimes on public lands are 18 U.S. Code Chapter 91. Under these statutes, trees cannot be cut or injured, timber cannot be removed, transported, or set fire, fences and survey marks cannot be destroyed or removed, and more.

Section 1864 deals with hazardous or injurious devices on federal lands, like the spikes mentioned above. Under this statute, a person who intends to obstruct or harass the harvesting of timber who, with reckless disregard for the risks to others, uses a hazardous or injurious device on federal land shall be prosecuted for this offense.

If the death of an individual results as a result of the hazardous device, the defendant could potentially be fined and/or sentenced to years or life in federal prison. If the hazardous device causes serious bodily injury to another person, the defendant could spend up to forty years in federal prison and be subject to significant fines.

Any bodily injury to another person caused by a hazardous device could result in a defendant spending up to 20 years in federal prison and significant fines. Damage only to forest property and not to a person could result in up to 20 years in federal prison and significant fines. As you can see, this is a serious criminal offense with serious penalties.

Hiring a Lawyer Who Defends Federal Charges is Essential

Not all criminal defense lawyers defend federal crimes. Those who do have a comprehensive understanding of federal laws and procedures that differ from state systems. These attorneys understand that the stakes are higher when federal charges are levied, with the potential of severe penalties. An attorney who takes federal criminal cases knows how to advocate for his or her client while working through the federal court system.  

Contact an Anderson County, TN Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer  

If you have been charged with a federal criminal offense, you should contact a Blount County, TN federal criminal defense attorney from Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney. Facing criminal charges – whether federal or state – is a daunting experience that can benefit from a free, confidential consultation where we will review your case and clearly lay out your options. Call Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney at 865-281-1000 today.