An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office into the Rhea County Sheriff’s Office found numerous red flags, including allegations of inmates being improperly released and deputies being paid thousands of dollars for work they did not do.
The comptroller’s investigative report reviewed a seven-year period from January 2017 to May 2024.
Among other things, it alleges that:
— Sheriff Mike Neal had inmates perform work at his and his son’s business.
— Neal and his chief deputy improperly released inmates on three occasions.