UPDATE: After the owner of the Whitwell Dairy Bar was arrested on several child sex crimes charges out of Alaska, the business has made a statement to their community.
Darold Greg Love, 65, was indicted for sex abuse of a minor and sex assault charges. The indictment says the incidents took place in November of 2021 in Alaska.
The Dairy Bar & Grill made the following statement to Local 3 News:
"To the good people of Whitwell,
Just like a sickness, you never know you have it until you are diagnosed with it. We here at the dairy bar found out we had a sickness among us in the worst way possible and we have taken steps to cure it and are steadily monitoring the infection that it is until it leaves the area. The old owner’s wife and staff had no idea of his past actions and dealings. They are angered just as you are and understand where everyone is coming from and are just as outraged if not more from the direct line of deceit and are taking steps to ensure that he will never return to our quiet and tranquil community or business here at the dairy bar. In response to this event, we here at the dairy bar are making strides to improve in all ways possible. We will be coming under new veteran ownership and management and will be changing the menu and many other things to better serve our community and remove the taint that has befallen this great community, county and state. We unfortunately cannot make all of this happen without some level of business from the community and those around us. We are trying dearly to provide jobs and financial stability to our employees whom are all members of this community as well. We thank you for your future and current patronage and are not only deeply sorry for not catching the infectious sickness early enough but also for any damage that he may have caused in his time here."
PREVIOUS STORY: The Sequatchie County Sheriff's Office arrested a Whitwell business owner last week on child sex crimes stemming from Alaska.
Sheriff Bill Phillips said 65-year-old Darold Greg Love was indicted for sex abuse of a minor and sex assault charges from incidents in November of 2021.
Warrants for his arrest were issued by the Kenai Court in Alaska on Wednesday, March 19.
On Tuesday, March 25, Love was found in Sequatchie County and arrested by deputies.
Sheriff Phillips told Local 3 News that Love said he is the owner of Whitwell Dairy Bar & Grill while being interviewed by investigators.
Love was booked at the Sequatchie County Jail on a bond of $100,000.
He will be extradited to Alaska.
Stay with Local 3 News for updates to this developing story.
