Author: Chris Wolff

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE ALEX FRIEDMANN ARRESTED
The criminal justice advocate and managing editor of Prison Legal News charged with attempted burglary for actions at the new Downtown Detention Center

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall announced Sunday Alex Friedmann, 50, a longtime criminal justice advocate and managing editor of Prison Legal News is free on bond after being charged with attempted burglary, evidence tampering, and possession of burglary tools. He was arrested Saturday at the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) Downtown Detention Center (DDC) after entering the building fraudulently. The newly constructed, 762-bed, maximum security facility is in its final stages of completion and does not currently house inmates.

On Monday, December 30, DCSO lieutenants were in the DDC control room and noticed a set of keys with a ring that looked different from the others. After an audit, it was confirmed two facility keys were missing. Upon reviewing video surveillance, an individual dressed like a construction worker wearing a yellow vest and dust mask and matching the description of Friedmann, was seen spray painting around the key control room door. He entered the room and placed a key ring in his pocket, left the DDC through the front lobby, returned two hours later, and replaced the keys, again with two missing. It was also discovered he previously entered the building under false pretenses on at least three other occasions.

At approximately 1 p.m. Saturday, deputies monitoring the DDC cameras noticed an individual entering DDC who matched the description of the suspect from the December 30 incident. The individual, later determined to be Friedmann, was detained in an area of the DDC until Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) officers arrived. An igloo cooler Friedmann carried into the facility contained bolt cutters, a key chit (used in corrections as a security measure to identify keys), and a document identified as schematics of the DDC. Friedman was also seen on video trying to destroy this document by “ripping it and chewing it up” according to the affidavit.

“The seriousness of Mr. Friedmann’s charges cannot be ignored. His actions have placed the safety and security of our entire community in peril, not to mention DCSO staff and inmates,”Hall said. “There are many items of value in a $200 million facility that can be stolen if your motivation is profit. There is only one reason for these sinister acts and that is to compromise our ability to maintain a secure facility and that is unconscionable and dangerous for everyone.”

The investigation is ongoing and DCSO will continue to work in cooperation with MNPD.

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Editor’s Note: Security surveillance video will not be released in accordance with state law.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12162019

LAST MINUTE TOY STORE OPENS THIS WEEK
Ticket distribution Wednesday; shopping Thursday, Friday, Saturday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall announced Monday the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is, once again, partnering with the Last Minute Toy Store (LMTS) and ticket distribution will begin Wednesday. This service is provided for Davidson County residents who are not receiving assistance from any other charitable organization. According to Hall, it brings joy to families and volunteers alike.

“We are thrilled about our third year of partnership with the Last Minute Toy Store. In 2018, we provided toys, books, stocking stuffers, and other holiday items for more than 5,500 children who,
otherwise, would have had nothing on Christmas morning,” Hall said. “Anyone who came out last year to donate or volunteer can tell you what an impact the store can have on all involved. We saw parents coming out of the store after getting their shopping tickets in tears and it’s meaningful to our volunteers; knowing they are making a difference. The sheriff’s office is proud to be part
of this unique and meaningful event.”

Ticket distribution is scheduled for Wednesday 4 – 7 p.m. at the DCSO Service Center, 5117 Harding Place. Each ticket will have a date/time to return for shopping on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis, and the store is conveniently located on WeGo Public Transit route 52B. When returning for shopping participants
should provide the following:

• Photo identification;
• Proof of Davidson County residency (utility bill, rent receipt, etc.);
• Official documentation showing name and date of birth for each child (birth certificate,
government assistance card or letter, shot record, etc.);
• Proof of income (pay stub, unemployment/government assistance/separation from work documentation,
etc.).

LMTS President Dale Robble, who has helped coordinate the LMTS effort for years said, “In 2017, we began this new partnership and had no idea it would be such an overwhelming success. It exceeded our expectations and we feel truly blessed to continue working with the sheriff’s office to, literally, provide Christmas for thousands of children,” Robble said. “As successful as we were
last year, that can’t continue without the support of our community. I hope you will take time this week to drop off a donation or go to our website to donate through Amazon and help a child in
need.”

Toys and $20 gift cards for teens are being accepted at the DCSO Service Center 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. until Wednesday, December 18. Donations may also be dropped at the DCSO administration
building downtown, 506 Second Avenue North, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

“It is the season of giving and helping those who are less fortunate.” Hall said. If you are looking for a charitable organization to assist this holiday season, I hope you will make it the
Last Minute Toy Store. Many families won’t have gifts for their kids without your generosity.” Hall added.

If you need more information, please visit www.lastminutetoystore.com.

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MEDIA ADVISORY 
December 10, 2019

CONTACT:  Karla West

The Last Minute Toy Store (LMTS), scheduled to distribute shopping tickets Wednesday, December 18, will get a few extra Santa helpers Friday. Approximately 40 soldiers from the 101st Airborne
Division will assist Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) personnel and other volunteers sort toys, set-up shelving, and decorate the toy store.

WHO? DCSO employees, LMTS volunteers, and 101st Airborne Division soldiers

WHAT? Preparing the LMTS for the big shopping rush next week (over 5,000 kids helped in 2018)

WHEN? Friday, December 13, 8 a.m.

WHERE? DCSO Service Center, 5117 Harding Place

In addition, toy donations and $20 gift cards for teens will be accepted at this location beginning Saturday, December 14, through December 18, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information on how to get tickets, volunteering, or donating go to www.lastminutetoystore.com.

Editor’s Note: More information to come next week regarding the mentioned ticket distribution and shopping days, December 19 – 21.