Two men were taken into custody in Tennessee after authorities say they refused to allow child welfare caseworkers inside a home where, according to investigators, at least one child was being restrained to a bed with a restraint device.
Background
Ernest Newbern, 58, and Anthony Wiseman, 68, were arrested Friday following an investigation by the Grundy County Sheriff's Office into reports of possible child neglect at a residence on Canyon Drive in Altamont, Tennessee. The Department of Children's Services received a tip about how the children in the home were being treated and sent caseworkers to question the adults living there.
According to sheriff's officials, DCS was notified that there might be a child inside who was "restrained to a bed using a restraint device." When caseworkers arrived at the home, they say they were met by a man with a gun who refused to let them enter to continue their investigation. The man, later identified as Wiseman, then locked the door behind him while two children remained inside.
The Investigation
Grundy County Sheriff's Office deputies responded after caseworkers called for law enforcement assistance. When deputies arrived at the residence, they were also greeted by a man with a firearm, authorities said. Investigators identified that individual as Wiseman.
"He failed to comply with orders from police," the sheriff's office stated regarding Wiseman's alleged behavior during the encounter. "The Taser was only minimally effective." Despite the Taser deployment, deputies were ultimately able to disarm Wiseman and take him into custody.
Newbern, who authorities say is the father of the children residing at the home, was also taken into custody. Online jail records indicated Newbern's address is in Florida.
"Two small children" were safely removed from the residence following the confrontation, according to the sheriff's office. Officials did not specify the condition of the children or whether they remained in DCS custody. Altamont Elementary School, located near the residence, was placed on a "soft lockdown" until law enforcement resolved the situation.
The Charges
Wiseman has been charged with resisting arrest. Newbern faces a charge of child neglect. Both men are scheduled to appear in Grundy County Circuit Court on September 10 to face the allegations against them.
Online jail records showed Wiseman had been released from custody, though it was not clear whether Newbern also remained in custody pending his court date.
Key Takeaways
- Ernest Newbern and Anthony Wiseman were arrested after allegedly blocking DCS caseworkers from entering their Altamont home
- Investigators say a child inside the residence was restrained to a bed using a restraint device
- Wiseman reportedly confronted authorities with a firearm and failed to comply with police orders
- A Taser deployment on Wiseman "was only minimally effective," according to the sheriff's office
- Two children were safely removed from the home; their current whereabouts were not disclosed
- Both defendants are due in court September 10
What's Next
Newbern and Wiseman will appear before a judge in Grundy County Circuit Court on September 10. The investigation into conditions at the residence remains active, and authorities have not indicated whether additional charges may be filed as the case develops.
"The Law&Crime Docket" first reported this story.