NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Rutherford County resident has been identified as the central figure in what Metro Nashville Police are calling a “relentless 5-year investigation.” The probe, led by Detective Kevin Wiles of the Special Victims Division, culminated in the arrest and indictment of 60-year-old Garrick Oden of La Vergne, a man now accused of multiple sexual assaults that left investigators searching for answers for more than a decade.
Breakthrough After Years of Investigative Work - According to Metro Police, Oden was linked to at least four reported sexual assaults that occurred between 2012 and 2018. In each case, Oden allegedly offered women rides under the guise of helping them, only to drive them to secluded areas where he sexually assaulted them.
Because the victims did not know their attacker, detectives relied heavily on DNA evidence collected at the scenes. That forensic evidence proved crucial in connecting the assaults and ultimately identifying Oden as the suspect. The charges highlight both the persistence of investigators and the importance of modern forensic tools in bringing long-delayed justice.
Indictments and Custody Status - Oden was indicted on eight counts of rape and is being held on a $600,000 bond. His first court appearance on the charges is scheduled for September 24, 2025 in Davidson County. He currently remains behind bars.
Prior Criminal History in Two Counties - While the current allegations are among the most serious ever tied to Oden, court records show a history of legal troubles in both Rutherford and Davidson Counties.
In Rutherford County, his record is relatively minor, including a 2016 conviction for driving on a suspended license and a 2019 case of driving on a revoked license (second offense). Both incidents resulted in unsupervised probation, court fines, and costs.
However, his Davidson County record tells a different story. Over the past three decades, Oden has faced multiple charges, including harassment (1996), disorderly conduct (2003), violation of an order of protection (2003 and 2004), domestic assault (2006), vandalism (2004), and driving on a revoked license (2007). Court records also show he owes hundreds of dollars to the Criminal Courts of Nashville, which have been turned over to a third-party collection agency.
Investigation May Expand - Metro Police suggested that their work is far from finished. Detectives may revisit unsolved sexual assault cases that date back more than five years, looking for potential connections to Oden, because authorities are now urging anyone who may have had interactions with him to come forward. If you or someone you know has had some type of interaction with the suspect, you are encouraged to contact the Special Victims Division at 615-862-7452.
Officials said the lengthy investigation highlights the importance of persistence in unsolved crimes. “This has been a relentless effort to bring answers and accountability,” a Metro Police spokesperson said, noting that victims in these cases had waited years for closure.
DISCLAIMER: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The arrest records or information about an arrest that are published or reported on NewsRadio WGNS and www.WGNSradio.com are not an indication of guilt or evidence that an actual crime has been committed.
