Five deaths, two years, one jail

By SUSAN SHARP

JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- Last week another Campbell County inmate died. That brings the total deaths at the county jail to five in just over two years. As with the others, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating.

Below is the audio of the Aug. 20 page from Central Dispatch requesting an ambulance at the Campbell County Jail. The inmate was transported to the hospital where she later died.

Under the previous administration, Sheriff Robbie Goins, there were two deaths in 12 years, records said. Going further back, there were no deaths under Sheriff Gary Perkins who served from 2006-2010.

Deaths are not the only problem that has plagued the Campbell County Jail in the last four years. Sheriff Wayne Barton has faced overdoses, assaults and an inmate riot during his tenure, according to public records.

Timeline of events for Campbell County Jail in the last three years:

Aug. 24, 2026- Penny Rector died. The 911 call reports she was having “GI bleed.” Listen to the 911 call below.

Nov. 3, 2024- Mark Garner died. Officials at the jail report he had a “medical situation” before his death.

June 20, 2024- Mikaila Cherokee Perciful died at the county jail. No further information was released.

May 17, 2024- An inmate is assaulted. He is airlifted for medical care and returned to jail the next day.

May 2, 2024- Five inmates are indicted for attempting to stage a coup in the jail.

April 29, 2024- Faith Evans dies alone in her cell. An autopsy lists the cause of death as a stroke due to Methamphetamine toxicity.

April 19, 2024- Gary W. Burris, an inmate, died. Gastrolienal Issues are cited as the reason for his death.

Jan. 3, 2024- A 911 call reports a female has overdosed at the county jail. NARCAN was administered.

Dec. 3, 2023- An inmate is airlifted after he attempts suicide in a cell.

Nov. 27, 2023- WLAF publishes a story detailing the Campbell County Jail had seen 27 overdose calls in 2023.

June 7, 2023- Two inmates are taken for medical care due to a suspected overdose.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 8/27/2026-6AM)