CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. (March 28, 2026) — A strategically coordinated, multi-agency manhunt culminated early this morning with the successful capture of fugitive Gerald “Pete” Samples. Samples was taken into custody after an extensive search operation involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
The manhunt continued this morning in the area of Humboldt Gibson Wells Road, where Samples was last believed to be located. Upon receiving information of a possible sighting of Samples on Peter Smith Gravel Road, law enforcement personnel from the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), United States Marshals Service, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Gibson County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), Crockett County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, Obion County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll County Sheriff Office Huntingdon, TN, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), FBI, and numerous other agencies intensified their search efforts to that area.
TDOC officers, along with their K-9 Kally, located Samples hiding in a wooded area. Samples was subsequently taken into custody with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service.
“The U.S. Marshals Service always stands ready to assist our partners in catching escapees,” said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller “Thanks to great teamwork and commitment by multiple law enforcement agencies, Samples is back in custody where he belongs.”
Crockett County Sheriff Troy Klyce expressed his gratitude to all participating agencies for their efforts in bringing the manhunt to a successful conclusion.
Sheriff Klyce thanked all the sheriffs’ offices, the TBI, TDOC, U.S. Marshals, TWRA, FBI, and everyone else who came together to assist with this maximum pressure manhunt.
Samples awaits serious charges out of the Commonwealth of Virginia for illegal online sexual activity involving a minor victim. He will be held at another facility pending extradition to Virginia.
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The Crockett County Sheriff’s Office thanks the community for their patience and cooperation during this operation. Special thanks to the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office.