Armed Robbery on Elmore Town Road

PUTNAM COUNTY, TN – On May 30, 2018, at approximately 5:00 AM Benjamin Lilly, Tabitha
Zapien, Telissa Sandusky, Robert Smith Jr., and an unidentified male accomplice committed armed robbery at a residence on Elmore Town Road in Baxter, TN. The homeowner was awakened by a loud noise and discovered three males and two females inside his home. Robert Smith Jr. pointed a semi-automatic weapon at the homeowner while the others took electronic equipment and other items out of the home. The perpetrators then fled the scene in a silver 4-door sedan.

Lilly was found and arrested by Cookeville Police Department later that evening. The three other
suspects were taken into custody by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals. Smith and Zapien were arrested the next day in connection with the home invasion, and Sandusky was arrested yesterday morning. The unknown accomplice, a 6-foot-tall black male with dreadlocks, remains at large.

Benjamin Lilly has been charged with one count robbery and one count of aggravated burglary, and his bond is set at $125,000.

Robert Smith Jr. has been charged with one count each of aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery,
possession of a firearm by a certain person, and unlawful possession of a weapon. His bond is set at $250,000.

Tabitha Zapien has been charged with one count of robbery and one count of aggravated burglary, and her bond is set at $125,000.

Telissa Sandusky has been charged with one count of aggravated burglary and one count of aggravated robbery. Her bond is set at $175,000.

The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this individual,
please contact Investigator Clouse at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office (931) 528-8484.