| Investigators found that the clerk signed the name of an individual, who had criminal convictions in four separate counties, on multiple expungement petitions, even though the person did not meet the eligibility requirements under Tennessee law. The clerk later emailed other county clerks and shared misleading information with one of them about the individual’s eligibility, prompting that clerk to move forward with the expungements.
The expungement orders were ultimately signed by judges in two counties and submitted to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). The clerk failed to serve the petition on the District Attorney’s Office in Weakley County as required by law, and the judges involved were unaware that the individual had been convicted in multiple counties. The expungements were later reversed.
The clerk submitted her resignation on December 2, 2025, with an effective date of December 31, 2025.
“This case underscores the importance of following the law when processing court records,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “Clerks must act with honesty and transparency, especially when handling legal documents that carry serious consequences.”
To view a map depicting where the 500 Comptroller’s Office investigations have taken place, go to tncot.cc/mappinginvestigations
To view the investigative report, go to tncot.cc/doireports. |
