Church Hill Man Indicted on Drug Sales, Counterfeit Currency Charges
TBI agents arrested a Church Hill man on drug sales and counterfeit currency charges after an 11-month investigation sparked by a community tip.
CHURCH HILL, TENNESSEE — A Church Hill man has been indicted on charges of criminal simulation and drug sales following a year-long Tennessee Bureau of Investigation probe into counterfeit money distribution and illegal narcotics in the community.
Justin Linkous, 31, was taken into custody on June 3 after a Hawkins County Grand Jury returned indictments charging him with one count of Criminal Simulation and one count of Sale of Schedule 1 Narcotics on June 1. He was booked into the Hawkins County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond.
Investigation Began With Community Tip
TBI special agents launched their investigation in June 2025 after receiving a tip regarding the distribution of counterfeit funds and illegal narcotics in the Church Hill area. During the investigation, agents identified Linkous as a suspect in the alleged criminal activities.
Linkous was born on January 5, 1995, according to TBI records.
Criminal Simulation Charges
Criminal simulation charges typically involve creating or possessing false documents, instruments, or other items with intent to defraud. The charge often applies to cases involving counterfeit currency, fake identification documents, or forged official papers.
The Schedule 1 narcotics charge indicates Linkous is accused of selling drugs classified under the most restrictive category of controlled substances, which includes drugs with high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
Legal Proceedings
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation emphasized that the charges represent accusations of criminal conduct rather than evidence of guilt. Linkous is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt through the legal process.
The case marks the end of an 11-month investigation that began with community members reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. TBI special agents developed the case over the investigation period before presenting evidence to the grand jury.
Court proceedings for Linkous will continue as the case moves through the Hawkins County judicial system.
