NEWPORT, Tenn. — In response to allegations of embezzlement, the legal representative for the former finance director of the Cocke County Partnership has declared his client’s innocence, stating she is actively cooperating in a potential state investigation concerning other leaders within the organization. Instead of being implicated in wrongdoing, she is providing evidence to assist authorities, according to her lawyer.
The controversy erupted last month when the nonprofit entity responsible for fostering economic development in Cocke County initiated legal action against its former finance director Sommer White, along with District 6 Post 1 County Commissioner Richard Vassar, his wife Cindy, and an unidentified individual. Although the lawsuit initially embroiled the Vassars and the unidentified person, it was subsequently narrowed to focus exclusively on White.
According to the lawsuit, White is accused of misappropriating $8,000, allegations that purportedly extend to conspiracy aimed at undermining and disbanding the organization. However, in a legal response filed by her attorney John Bell, claims surfaced implicating Lucas Graham, the director of the Partnership, his wife Jaymie, and Deputy Director Jacob Ottinger in the alleged embezzlement.
Despite these accusations, there have yet to be any formal charges against Graham, his wife, or Ottinger, and the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury has not officially acknowledged whether an investigation is underway. The office, responsible for overseeing financial and administrative operations within the state, maintains its standard protocol of not commenting on ongoing or potential investigations.
Bell’s counterclaims assert that all financial transactions under scrutiny—including bonus checks that White is accused of issuing to herself—were authorized by Graham and another board member. Additionally, Bell points out that discrepancies related to White’s insurance deductions were reportedly the result of payroll system errors identified post-resignation.
Moreover, addressing the accusation that White removed a computer hard drive to potentially destroy evidence, Bell clarified that his client had instead retained text messages and emails. According to him, these communications substantiate claims of improper conduct by the nonprofit’s leadership.
As the legal contest continues, both sides prepare to bolster their respective cases with further evidence and witness testimonies. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of the Cocke County Partnership and its efforts to attract business investments to the region.
This case has quickly captured the attention of the local community and raised broader questions about governance and transparency within important regional economic bodies. As developments unfold, the community eagerly waits for more information and clarity on the roles each accused individual may have played in the situation. Such revelations are poised to deliver a significant impact on public trust and the operational integrity of influential civic organizations.