On June 16, 2025, Investigative Services Detectives responded to the Hamilton County Courthouse for a report of harassing phone calls.
Detectives were provided numerous voicemails which were threatening in nature from an individual identified as Darrell Brackett. The threats were made against multiple judges.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives developed probable cause and applied for warrants to arrest Brackett. Warrants were obtained charging Brackett with the following:
- (4) Counts of Harassment
- (4) Counts of Aggravated Stalking
- (4) Counts of Terrorism
- (1) Count of Retaliation for Past Actions Against a Judge
On June 17, 2025, in a joint operation, HCSO Investigative Services Detectives, Criminal Warrants Detectives, and SWAT Team personnel, with the assistance of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, responded to Brackett’s residence on Poplar Street, NE, in Cleveland, Tennessee, and took him into custody without incident.
“My office treats any threat against our citizens or elected officials seriously. For anyone to believe they can intimidate or threaten Hamilton County judges without swift and decisive action from law enforcement is not just reckless—it’s delusional. Let me be clear: You do not threaten a judge in this county and walk away without facing the consequences of those actions. Even if you live in another county, as in this case, we’ll still come get you and make sure you have your day in court,” stated Sheriff Austin Garrett.
Brackett was transported to the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center and booked on the aforementioned outstanding warrants.
Sheriff Austin Garrett and the men and women of the HCSO would like to thank the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with today’s apprehension of Bracket.
