'A sickness among us:' Whitwell Dairy Bar promises to make amends after owner's arrest

WHITWELL, Tenn. — UPDATE:

The current manager of the Whitwell Dairy Bar in Marion County, Tennessee has released a statement expressing their shock at the arrest of a manager on sex crime charges out of Alaska.

In an email sent to our newsroom Monday evening, Whitwell Dairy Bar Manager Amanda Condra says

"Just like a sickness, you never know you have it until you are diagnosed with it. We here at the dairy bar found out we had a sickness among us in the worst way possible and we have taken steps to cure it and are steadily monitoring the infection that it is until it leaves the area. The old owner’s wife and staff had no idea of his past actions and dealings. They are angered just as you are and understand where everyone is coming from and are just as outraged if not more from the direct line of deceit and are taking steps to ensure that he will never return to our quiet and tranquil community or business here at the dairy bar. In response to this event, we here at the dairy bar are making strides to improve in all ways possible. We will be coming under new veteran ownership and management and will be changing the menu and many other things to better serve our community. We unfortunately cannot make all of this happen without some level of business from the community and those around us. We are trying dearly to provide jobs and financial stability to our employees whom are all members of this community as well. We thank you for your future and current patronage and are not only deeply sorry for not catching the infectious sickness early enough but also for any damage that he may have caused in his time here. to the public."

EARLIER:

The owner of the Whitwell Dairy Bar was arrested for a sex crime he committed in Alaska, according to Sequatchie County Sheriff Bill Phillips.

The sheriff says Darold Love was arrested on March 25th on an outstanding warrant for a sex crime in Kenai, Alaska.

Sheriff Phillips says Love told investigators he moved here because he bought the Whitwell Dairy Bar.

Alaska court records show the crime was committed in 2021.

Court records show Love is charged with sexual abuse of a minor.

Sheriff Phillips says they assisted with a couple interviews and making the arrest.

A spokesperson for the Alaska Department of Law tells us Love's charges include sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree and sexual assault in the first degree.

We also called the Whitwell Dairy Bar for comment, but it went straight to voicemail.

This is a developing story.