MURFREESBORO, TN - The MTSU Dairy Farm, typically known for its agricultural contributions, became the scene of a serious crime in 2020.
The diligent investigative efforts of the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Police led to the conviction of a rape suspect in Rutherford County Circuit Court last week. The suspect, 34-year-old Brandon McBee, was found guilty on three counts of rape by Judge James Turner. Prior to his arrest and conviction, McBee spent a brief period in the military and most recently resided in Rising Fawn, Georgia, a small town about 30 minutes south of Chattanooga, TN. Rising Fawn is located in Dade County, Georgia, just one county away from McBee’s birthplace in Catoosa County, Georgia, as noted in the subject’s booking report at the sheriff’s office.
The charges against McBee stem from allegations that originated in August of 2020 on the grounds of the MTSU Dairy Farm. McBee was accused of committing the sexual crimes against the victim nearly four years ago, and his case began moving through the legal system in 2022, when the criminal case was first created.
During his trial, McBee was convicted on all three counts of rape. Following the conclusion of the trial this past Wednesday, McBee was transported to the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center, where he will remain in custody until his sentencing.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on October 30, just one day before Halloween. McBee's conviction is a significant win for MTSU Police, who worked tirelessly to ensure justice was served in this case.
Thanks to the investigative work of the MTSU Police, the suspect was apprehended and ultimately brought to justice, providing closure for the victim involved. Court documents show thatt the arresting officer, Tommy Roberts, was also the lead investigator in the case – a case that is now closed.
Brief History - Looking back at MTSU’s history, the campus has proven to be a safe place for students and staff over the years. In fact, the first time a rape was reported to MTSU Police was in October 1994, 83 years after the school first opened in 1911. Shortly after the report, 30 years ago, there was an increase in phone calls to the Public Safety office, with 172 students requesting an escort to walk them to their vehicle, residence, or class, according to former Chief of Police Jack Drugmand. The late police chief shared the details of that case with Gena Wellmann, a writer for the MTSU Sidelines student newspaper in 1994 (Read the original article HERE). Drugmand retired from MTSU in 2005 and passed away in 2020.
