Two Overton County men have been sentenced after pleading guilty in connection with cutting down and stealing a black walnut tree from Standing Stone State Forest.

The tree was later sold to a regional sawmill. The case was investigated by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Agricultural Crime Unit (ACU).

Derek Smith pleaded guilty Sept. 14, 2026, to theft of property valued at more than $1,000, a Class E felony. He was sentenced to two years of probation through the Tennessee Department of Correction. Smith must pay $2,050 in restitution and a $1,000 fine.

Marvin Hall pleaded guilty Oct. 5, 2026, to theft of property valued at more than $1,000, a Class E felony. He was sentenced to a two-year sentence, with six months to serve and the remaining 18 months on probation. Hall must also pay $2,050 in restitution and a $3,000 fine.

Both men are banned from Standing Stone State Forest and Standing Stone State Park.
RELEASE IN COMMENTS