TENNESSEE — A man has been arrested in connection with the burglary of a storage unit in Putnam County, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded Feb. 19 to a reported burglary at a storage facility located at 2158 W. Broad St. in Cookeville. The victim told authorities that when he arrived at his unit, he found the lock had been removed and several items were missing.
After the storage facility owner was notified, surveillance footage was reviewed. Investigators determined the burglary occurred Jan. 10, 2026. Video from the scene showed a Ford Taurus leaving the facility carrying an item reported stolen by the victim.
Authorities identified the suspect as Sean Johnson.
Law enforcement later located Johnson’s vehicle at an America’s Best Value Extended Stay in Cookeville and took him into custody for questioning. Officials said Johnson admitted to unlawfully entering the storage unit and stealing items.
Detectives executed a search of Johnson’s hotel room and reported finding the stolen property, along with marijuana and drug paraphernalia, including scales and baggies.
While Johnson was being booked into the Putnam County Jail, corrections deputies discovered methamphetamine in the shorts he was wearing beneath his jeans.
According to the sheriff’s office, Johnson has a lengthy criminal history that includes felony drug convictions.
He was booked on an $87,500 bond and faces charges of manufacture, delivery and sale of methamphetamine; burglary; theft of property; simple possession; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
