TBI Director On Leave Amid Affair, Misspending Claims

NASHVILLE, TN -- Facing allegations of misspending state funds in furtherance of an affair with another state official, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's acting director is on paid leave.

"Effective Wednesday, June 20th, in accordance with TBI policy, and at his discretion, recommendation, and direction, TBI Acting Director Jason Locke will be placed on administrative leave, with pay, pending the outcome of the current outside investigation into allegations of misuse of state funds," the TBI's spokesman Josh DeVine said in a statement.

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The governor's office confirmed it was aware of allegations against Locke, a 21-year veteran of the bureau, Monday. Locke's wife, Kim, alerted state officials of the potential her husband had misused state funds as part of an extramarital affair with an unnamed woman at the Department of Mental Health Services. Kim Locke sent those accusations to top state leaders and media outlets Friday.

Locke, who has been leading the TBI since the retirement of Mark Gwyn, was one of three finalists for the permanent directorship; ultimately, the governor named Knoxville Police Department chief David Rausch to the post, which he will assume June 25.

The governor's office said the allegations were referred to law enforcement. State auditors and the Davidson County District Attorney General's office are among the agencies investigating. Locke is represented by Lebanon attorney Jeff Cherry, who said while he and his client are aware of the complaint, they've not yet seen it in writing.