NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Agricultural Crime Unit (ACU) has recovered $60,000 in stolen farm equipment in Madison County, and the defendant has been sentenced to eight years.

ACU Special Agent Cheshier Crihfield charged Darrell L. Hillis, of Van Buren County, leading to his arrest in August 2025. Hillis pleaded guilty to theft of property valued between $60,000-$250,000, a Class B felony, and will serve eight years in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Correction.

“This case came together thanks to our partnership with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, whose agents helped present the case to the grand jury and provided critical support through interviews and forensic data analysis,” ACU Special Agent in Charge Greg Whitehead said. “Collaboration among our agents, the bureau’s agents and local law enforcement officers was key to holding the defendant accountable and ensuring this case was successfully resolved.”

Hillis stole a John Deere 7400 tractor and a Tubeline bale wrapper from a barn at Woolfolk Farms in Jackson, Tenn., in February 2025.

The John Deere tractor was taken more than 700 miles to an auction company in Georgia. The farm owner found the tractor on social media, where it was about to be auctioned.

The bale wrapper was found in a wooded area on Hillis’ property, approximately 260 miles from Woolfolk Farms. It was recovered during the execution of a search warrant in April 2025, after a Warren County Sheriff’s Office drone helped ACU special agents and law enforcement from Van Buren and Warren counties locate the stolen equipment concealed in the woods.

Both pieces of farm equipment were returned to the owner.

“Our 10 ACU Special Agents are strategically positioned across Tennessee – from Memphis to Mountain City – to serve our agricultural communities,” Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt said. “Each agent is responsible for covering nine to 12 counties, ensuring a strong local presence. We want to alert producers across the state to reach out to ACU if they are affected by criminal activity. Prompt reporting helps us respond quickly and protect people and agricultural resources.”

To contact ACU call 844-AG-CRIME (844-242-7463) or email agriculture.crime@tn.gov.

ACU investigated 137 cases in March 2026 and 1,132 cases since July 1, 2025.