Crime & Safety
Washington County, TN Arrests: Toddler Found Wandering
Jonesborough, TN – Two Johnson City women face child abuse and neglect charges after a toddler was found wandering along Joe Hale Road in Washington County, part of Northeast Tennessee's Tri Cities re
By Grant Holloway · 2026-09-28T19:27:23.793Z
Jonesborough, TN – Two Johnson City women face child abuse and neglect charges after a toddler was found wandering along Joe Hale Road in Washington County, part of Northeast Tennessee's Tri Cities region, authorities announced Monday.
According to the Washington County Sheriff 's Office, the incident occurred shortly before 7:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25. Deputies responded after the young child was reportedly found wandering along the roadway.
Sheriff Keith Sexton said deputies arrested Cassie J. Hensley, 32, and Tracie D. Phillips, 50 , both of Johnson City, in connection with the incident.
Authorities charged both women with child abuse and neglect . The sheriff's office did not provide additional details about how long the toddler had allegedly been outside, how the child reached Joe Hale Road or the relationship between the child and the two defendants.
The department also did not report whether the toddler suffered any injuries.
Hensley and Phillips were transported to the Washington County Detention Center , where authorities said both were being held without bond.
The sheriff's office said the two women were scheduled to appear in court Monday, Sept. 28. Additional information about the outcome of those proceedings was not included in the department's initial announcement.
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Authorities have not released the toddler's identity or other identifying information, consistent with the child's age.
The sheriff's office did not announce additional arrests or charges in Monday's release.