Recently, the local news media has been reporting on allegations of a former Bradley County Sheriff’s Office employee who has claimed "waste, fraud, and abuse" occurred at the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office between September 1, 2006 and January 21, 2007.

On Sunday, February 17, 2008, the District Attorney stated in an article published in the Cleveland Daily Banner that his office has already reviewed these allegations and no violations of Tennessee law were found.

Additionally, the Tennessee State Comptroller’s Office has completed its yearly financial audit of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, which included the time frame of these allegations and there were no findings of "waste, fraud, or abuse." This same audit covered all BCSO credit card purchases and found them to be valid, lawful, and within current policy guidelines.

Additionally, BCSO payroll records confirm all employees have been paid appropriately for hours worked and were not paid for hours not worked. This includes my wife, Christie, who was employed at the BCSO from November 13, 2006 through March 30, 2007. Allegations that I ordered her to be paid during a trip to London are false.

The recently filed lawsuit is false, frivolous and without merit.

I hope this helps clear up the matter as the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office always strives for serve you in a fair, honest and professional manner.