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Tennessee kidnapping suspect on suicide watch, in solitary confinement

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – The man charged with the especially aggravated kidnapping of 9-year-old Carlie Trent is in solitary confinement at the Hawkins County jail and will likely remain there, according to Sheriff Ronnie Lawson.

In addition, District Attorney Dan Armstrong said that Simpson’s bond has been set at $1 million.

Carlie Trent

Due to Gary Simpson’s uncertain mental state, the sheriff says his officers put the man in what’s called a “turtle suit” to prevent him from trying to kill himself. The vest makes it impossible for the inmate to use clothes to try and hang himself.

The sheriff expects Simpson will remain on suicide watch for roughly 24 hours.

Private citizens found Trent and Simpson Thursday night. The Rogersville girl was previously the subject of a weeklong Amber Alert.

According to Simpson’s arrest warrant, today is the man’s 58th birthday.

WISH-TV’s sister station WJHL filed a request to inspect Trent’s sealed custody case in juvenile court Thursday. Hawkins County Juvenile Court Judge Daniel Boyd told us today the law requires him to deny that request.

“Your request is not one that’s covered under the applicable statute in law, so I would have to deny it,” Judge Boyd said Friday morning. “Juvenile files are confidential and are only open for inspection in limited purposes and media requests don’t fall into one of those exceptions.”

Simpson is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday.