The Herald Citizen

Posted December 5, 2012 at 2:49 pm

The investigation into the Upper Cumberland Development District continues with the state investigative bureau getting involved.

“The TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigations) received a request from a District Attorney General at the end of October to open an investigation into theft and falsifying documents related to the UCDD,” Kristin Helm, TBI spokesperson, said in an email statement November 23. “The case is currently being investigated by an agent and will be reviewed by a DA when completed.”

Back in October, the state comptroller’s office released its investigative findings in light of allegations of misappropriating funds into a senior boarding home project formerly known as Living the Dream.

The facility is now called Twin Magnolia Farm.

The report not only faulted the agency’s former director Wendy Askins, but also targeted board members for their failure to “uphold its duty to follow sound business and accounting practices to ensure that all disbursements were appropriate and to act in the best interest of the district and its goals.”

The comptroller’s audit focused on Askins transferring funds without board approval, submitting false reimbursement requests, and falsifying board meeting minutes, among many other things.

That audit went to the DA pro temp assigned to the case, Randy Nichols of Knoxville. His office does not comment on ongoing investigations but they did confirm they have the report.

No time line on the completion of the TBI’s part of the investigation was given.