Only a couple of weeks after they acquired her, the Tellico Plains Police Department tracking dog helped connect two separate suspected arsons.
On Saturday, just before 1 a.m., Officers from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office responded to a barn fire on Glenlock Road.
Minutes later, officers were dispatched to another fire at Reed Springs Road, a residence near the first fire.

Monroe County Detective Lieutenant Travis Jones, Detective Doug Brannon, Detective  Shane Harrold, and Narcotics Agent Conway Mason were called to the scene to investigate.
During the investigation information was received and two suspects were picked up for questioning
One, a Juvenile, was released to parents without further action.  It was suspected due to the close proximity of the crimes that both fires would be connected.

On Saturday Afternoon Monroe County Sheriff Bill Bivens requested the use of Tellico Plains female bloodhound, Abby.
The use of Abby proved productive and provided a conclusive link between the two crimes, Bivens said.

 An article of clothing from the suspect was used to aid the bloodhound in trailing from one fire location to the other. This physical evidence will also undergo TBI lab tests for further proof.
The suspect was held for questioning and the interview of the suspect led to a confession.
Tim Mitchell, 22, County Road 340, Sweetwater, has been charged with aggravated arson and arson.  Mitchell is being held at the Monroe County Jail.

Mitchell reportedly told officers he didn't have anything against the property owners, but had been drinking.
He is being held on a $125,000 bond.

Bivens said he wanted to thank Tellico Plains Chief Bill Isbell, K-9 Officer Mike Blankenship, K-9 Officer Jason Russell, and K-9 Abby for "aiding our department in connecting the crimes and bringing swift resolution to this case."