Last Updated on December 17, 2025 5:00 pm
A coordinated multi-agency law enforcement operation on December 1, 2025, resulted in the arrest of Tara Beth Reece following an undercover buy-bust operation conducted in Watauga County, North Carolina. Investigators from the Mountain City Police Department (Tennessee), 1st Judicial District Drug Task Force (Tennessee), Johnson County Sheriff's Office (Tennessee), and the Watauga County Sheriff's Office (North Carolina) worked collaboratively to safely apprehend Reece after she arrived to deliver approximately one ounce of methamphetamine to an undercover officer.
Multi-Agency Coordination
The operation was led by Investigator Thomas “TJ” Brown of the Mountain City Police Department and the 1st Judicial District Drug Task Force of Tennessee, in coordination with Chief Deputy Shawn “Bit” Brown and Investigator Chris Lipford of the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. Once the transaction location shifted into Watauga County, North Carolina, Lt. Woody of the Watauga County Sheriff's Office was notified and assumed primary command of the operation.
Ongoing Investigation
This enforcement action stemmed from an ongoing narcotics investigation that began with the November 13, 2025 arrests of John Reece and Tara Reece by the Mountain City Police Department. During that investigation, both individuals were identified as sources of methamphetamine distribution within Johnson County, Tennessee. Tara Reece had also recently faced methamphetamine-related charges in Caldwell County, North Carolina.
Continued Distribution After Bond
After posting bond in Johnson County, Reece continued engaging in methamphetamine distribution. On December 1, 2025, she arranged via phone calls and text messages to sell one ounce of methamphetamine to an individual she believed to be a buyer. That individual was an investigator who had interviewed her less than two weeks prior and had provided his work cell phone number during those interviews.
Arrest Details
Tara Reece was taken into custody without incident at the Dollar General located on Highway 421 near the Tennessee state line after making contact with the undercover officer. At the time of her arrest, Reece was found to be in possession of: • More than 36 grams of methamphetamine • Approximately 9.5 grams of marijuana • Multiple Suboxone strips
Community Impact
This collaborative effort played a vital role in removing a significant source of illegal narcotics from the community and surrounding areas. The Mountain City Police Department extended its sincere appreciation to the Johnson County Sheriff's Office and the Watauga County Sheriff's Office for their professionalism, cooperation, and support throughout this operation.
