MONROE COUNTY, TENNESSEE — Charles Anthony Ellis was sentenced to 11 months and 29 days in the Monroe County Jail for intentionally setting fire to a barn in Madisonville, Tennessee, in September 2024. Ellis was also ordered to enter an alcohol and drug rehabilitation program.

Investigators determined that the fire was deliberately set by a relative of the property owner following a family dispute. The state was asked to assist with the investigation in September 2024.

Ellis was convicted of intentionally setting fire to the barn, which was located in Monroe County. The conviction followed the investigation into the September 2024 fire.

ACU Special Agent in Charge Greg Whitehead commented on the agency's role in such investigations. "Our agents are trained to investigate complex rural arson cases—from wildland fires to the targeted burning of agricultural structures like barns and hay storage sheds. That expertise ensures we can quickly determine cause, hold offenders accountable, and protect Tennessee's farms, forests and rural communities," Whitehead said.