A press conference will be held on April 12, 2013, 11:00 a.m. in the conference room at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office located at 600 Market Street.

This press release will reference the September 17, 2012 arson at Loftis Middle school. The investigation has resulted in the arrest of two juveniles who are not associated with Loftis Middle School. These two suspects will be charged with Aggravated Burglary, Arson, Reckless Endangerment and Vandalism over $60,000 dollars. Additional arrests and more charges may be forthcoming in this investigation.

Sheriff Jim Hammond commends the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and Tennessee Bomb & Arson for the strong and efficient working relationship that exists between them all. Sheriff Hammond also wishes to send a message that “actions such as this will not be tolerated and will be investigated aggressively.”