06/01/2026
Two arrested following investigation into vandalism at recreation areas
ELIZABETHTON – An Elizabethton woman and man are facing sexual exploitation of a minor and vandalism charges following an investigation into multiple incidents of vandalism at local recreation areas, where graphic messages of a sexual nature, along with messages about child sexual abuse, were found in restrooms and in other public areas.
Investigators with the Carter County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jessica Russell, age 28, and Craig Estep, age 28, both of Elizabethton, on Thursday, May 28. Investigators charged Russell with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. Investigators charged Estep with 11 counts of vandalism ($1,001 - $2,499) and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
The investigation began earlier in May after the CCSO received reports of vandalism at popular recreation sites on US Forest Service land around Watauga Lake. Additional incidents of vandalism were also reported on federal land in Unicoi County. The investigation was a joint operation between the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Forest Service.
During the investigation, a male and a female individual were developed as suspects, and the vehicle they were operating was identified. The individuals were ultimately identified as Russell and Estep.
On Thursday, May 28, officers encountered the vehicle identified through the investigation parked at a local gas station in Carter County. When officers approached the vehicle, they found Estep passed out in the driver’s seat of the vehicle, with drug paraphernalia in plain view on his lap and in the vehicle. Officers arrested Estep on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Russell was with Estep at the time of his arrest, and she was also brought to the Carter County Sheriff’s Office to speak to investigators.
Investigators interviewed both Estep and Russell regarding the string of vandalism incidents. During the interview, Estep stated he was the one who wrote all the derogatory and sexual statements that were found at the federal recreation sites.
During her interview, Russell gave investigators permission to search her phone for evidence related to the vandalism. When investigators searched the device, they located images of child sexual abuse materials on her phone.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are pending.
Estep is being held at the Carter County Detention Center under a total bond of $19,000.
Russell is being held at the Carter County Detention Center under a bond of $50,000.