Crime & Safety
Lebanon, TN Arrests: 9 Charged After Stolen Vehicle Investigation
Lebanon, TN – Nine people have been arrested following a lengthy multi state vehicle theft investigation that authorities say uncovered stolen vehicles with modified identification numbers across Midd
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-09-30T20:01:27.753Z
Lebanon, TN – Nine people have been arrested following a lengthy multi state vehicle theft investigation that authorities say uncovered stolen vehicles with modified identification numbers across Middle Tennessee.
According to the Lebanon Police Department , the investigation began in April while officers were executing a search warrant connected to an unrelated narcotics investigation in Lebanon. Investigators discovered two vehicles with altered vehicle identification numbers, or VINs.
With assistance from the Tennessee Highway Patrol Criminal Investigations Division, authorities determined both vehicles had been reported stolen in Ohio and Texas. A separate investigation was then launched.
Police said officers later worked with FBI SWAT, the Tennessee Department of Correction, THP investigators and the Wilson County Sheriff ’s Office to execute search warrants at multiple properties across Middle Tennessee.
Investigators seized seven vehicles with modified VINs. Six were confirmed stolen and had originated in Tennessee, New York, Texas and Ohio, according to police.
During a search of a property on Buford Road in Lebanon, investigators also reported finding a stolen firearm.
Authorities said a grand jury returned 32 indictments, leading to the arrests of nine people: Derick Rhodes, 51; Jelani Anter, 38; Natimia Cason, 33; Timothy Cason, 52; Gretta Gillihan, 70; Consuella Keeley, 54; David Proffitt, 53; Derrick Rhodes, 33; and Lederick Rhodes, 30.
The indictments include allegations involving felony vehicle theft, conspiracy, theft of firearms and other offenses. Police did not specify which charges apply to each defendant.
Authorities said the investigation remains active and additional details are not being released at this time.
All charges are allegations, and those arrested are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.