NASHVILLE – Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. has commissioned
three new Agricultural Crime Unit (ACU) Special Agents, bringing the unit to full staffing of nine
special agents and one Special Agent in Charge.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) ACU is a team of law enforcement officers
charged with investigating and enforcing state laws related to agriculture, forestry, animal health,
and agribusinesses in Tennessee. Additionally, ACU is the chief agency responsible for investigation
of suspected wildland arson.
“ACU Special Agents work in the field every day to investigate and protect agricultural and forestry
operations,” Hatcher said. “Our agents are stationed throughout Tennessee to investigate crimes
such as livestock and equipment theft, livestock cruelty, and rural fire threats. We are pleased to
add these three seasoned law enforcement agents to our team, equipping us to serve citizens more
efficiently and timely.”
Marvin Braden brings 26 years of experience in law enforcement from the Knox and Grainger
County Sheriff Departments and was a former Knox County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year,
Grainger County Employee of the Year, and has served as the Mayor of Blaine, Tenn. He is a
Certified Fire Investigator and has worked numerous livestock welfare cases with TDA. Braden will
serve TDA in Knox County and surrounding counties.
Clint Brookshire comes to TDA with 20 years of experience in law enforcement with the Monroe
County Sheriff’s Department. He served as a K-9 handler for the last 10 years and worked part-time
for TDA’s Division of Forestry for 8 years as a wildland firefighter. Brookshire volunteers for the
Notchey Creek Volunteer Fire Department and Monroe County Rescue Squad. He will serve TDA in
Hamblen County and lower East Tennessee.
Cheshier Crihfield brings seven years of experience in law enforcement from the Lauderdale
County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement qualifications from previous training. He is
also active in training dogs and birds of prey that he uses in the sport of falconry and is a licensed
drone operator. Crihfield is working towards a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business from the
University of Tennessee-Martin. He will serve TDA in Shelby County and lower West Tennessee.
Since July 1, 2023, ACU has investigated 395 cases and offenses statewide. More than half of the 85
cases investigated in October were livestock cruelty cases. Other farm crimes and criminal activity
on state forest lands make up the case load. Learn more at www.tn.gov/agriculture/consumers/ag-
crime-unit.