BEDFORD COUNTY, TN - Rutherford County is not the only area that has problems with vehicle break-ins. In nearby Shelbyville, just 15 minutes from the Rutherford County line down Highway 231 South, has been grappling with a surge in auto burglaries over the past several weeks, prompting heightened awareness among residents and local law enforcement. On Tuesday, the Shelbyville Police Department's "A-Nights" shift made significant headway in solving the spate of thefts through proactive measures. The Criminal Investigations Division followed a lead, resulting in the arrest of 35-year-old Ernest Lee Feinstein.
Mr. Feinstein, no stranger to law enforcement, had previously faced charges in 2016 involving 11 counts of auto burglary and was currently out on parole. His criminal history also included a 2019 arrest for charges related to evading arrest. In the recent wave of auto burglaries, Feinstein confessed to his involvement, according to Shelbyville authorities. The arrest this week encompasses 10 counts of auto burglary, 1 count of burglary, 9 counts of theft of property, possession of Schedule II drugs, and unlawful possession of a weapon. The Shelbyville Police Department is urging residents to remove valuables from vehicles left overnight and to consistently secure their doors.
Records from the Tennessee Department of Corrections revealed that, at the time of arrest, Feinstein was under active parole, supervised by the Murfreesboro Probation and Parole Office. The 2016 auto burglary charges, similar to his recent arrest, reflect his previous convictions in Bedford County. Remarkably, Feinstein's parole, originally scheduled to conclude on May 23, 2027, was related to charges of evading arrest and, ironically, auto burglary. The arrest of this repeat offender underscores the need for more proactive measures to deter criminal activities. As noted, the measures can be as simple as removing valuables from vehicles and locking car doors.
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