Cheryl Steward Sentenced to 240 Months for Her Role in Murder of Henderson Police Captain Dennis Cagle

JACKSON, TN—Cheryl Freeman Steward, 52, of Henderson, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 240 months in federal prison for her role in the murder of Henderson Police Captain Dennis Cagle, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L Stanton, III.

On December 10, 2009, Steward’s husband Ricky Stewart attempted to rob the Save-A-Lot grocery store in Henderson, Tennessee. Ricky Stewart fired upon officers who responded to the robbery in progress, including Henderson Police Captain Dennis Cagle, who later succumbed to the injuries he received from a gunshot wound. Ricky Stewart was sentenced to life plus 10 years in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen on October 4, 2012.

On September 11, 2012, Stewart pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted robbery affecting commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(a)(6) and 924(a)(2).

In addition to the 240 month prison sentence, Breen also ordered that Steward serve two years of supervised release at the end of her term. There is no possibility of parole in the federal prison system.

“Today, Cheryl Steward learned the profound consequences of her lawless acts,” said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “The two-decade sentence imposed by the court sends a clear message that anyone involved with committing violent acts, whether directly or indirectly, will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I sincerely hope that this sentence will assist in the healing process of the family, colleagues, and friends of Captain Dennis Cagle—a dedicated hero who paid the ultimate price in serving his community.”

“I am grateful to know that Cheryl Steward will spend the next 20 years of her life in federal prison, but this case will never truly be over for all of us who knew Captain Dennis Cagle,” said Henderson Police Chief Tommy Davis. “Captain Cagle was an outstanding police officer, but he was also a devoted husband, a loving father, and a trusted friend to so many people in this area. His loss has left a hole in our lives that I pray will begin to heal in time.”

The case was investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the Henderson Police Department; and the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. District Attorney General Jerry Woodall and Assistant District Attorney Jody Pickens served as special counsel in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Victor L. Ivy prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.