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SWEETWATER -- A Sweetwater man was charged with arson in connection with fires that destroyed two buildings in the Glenlock community.

Tim Mitchell, 22, of County Road 340, Sweetwater, reportedly confessed to his role in the fires. Mitchell was charged with aggravated arson and arson. He is currently being held in Monroe County Jail. Bond had not been set at press time.

A juvenile suspect was released to his parents without being charged

The case was quickly solved with the help of Tellico Plains Police Department's newest officer, K-9 Abby, and quick work by Monroe County Sheriff's Office investigators.

About 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, along with Tri-Community, Christianburg and North Monroe Volunteer Fire Departments, were dispatched to a structure fire near the Glenlock Road and Reed Springs Road intersection. When the first firefighter, who lives nearby, arrived on scene, he reported two buildings were on fire and the fire was spreading to a field.

One building was reported to be fully engulfed. Several bales of hay were also on fire. More firefighters arrived on the scene and battled the fires, which were brought under control within an hour. Firefighters used several "dump tanks" placed in the field and yard and shuttled water back and forth with tankers until the fire was doused.

Monroe County Sheriff's Captain Steve Ogle was the first law enforcement officer on the scene, quickly followed by MCSO Lt. Det. Travis Jones, Lt. Det. Doug Brannon, Sgt. Det. Shane Harrold and Narcotics Investigator Conway Mason.

"It was suspected due to the close proximity of the crimes that both fires would be connected," Lt. Det. Jennifer Bledsoe said in a press release.

After working into the early hours of Saturday morning, MCSO authorities requested the assistance of Abby, Tellico Plains Police's new bloodhound, and her handlers, Officers Mike Blankenship and Jason Russell.

"The use of Abby proved productive and provided a conclusive link between the two crimes," the press release 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."

Sources indicated investigators found rags that were apparently soaked in some type of accelerant, possibly gasoline, at a location near the fire scene.

Tellico Police Chief Bill Isbell said Sunday night that this was the first time Abby has been called into action since being acquired by the department about two weeks ago.