Knox County Commissioners Weigh-in on Trustee Office Controversy

The controversy surrounding Knox County Trustee John Duncan III keeps growing. County Commissioner Larry Smith has been vocal about wanting Duncan to pay back the tens of thousands of dollars in bonuses he gave to himself and other employees for taking an online educational course they have yet to complete.

Smith told 6 News he received a verbal warning from the trustee's father, Rep. Jimmy Duncan. John Duncan says he was not aware of any such conversation.

6 News contacted the congressman's office about Smith's claims and his office released a statement saying, "Congressman Duncan had what he thought was a friendly conversation with Larry Smith. He never said or implied in any way that he should stay away from his son. The thought never crossed his mine."

On Thursday, Trustee Duncan reversed course, saying it was a mistake to accept and authorize those payments. His office is now no longer participating in the program or paying incentives of any type for continuing education.

The county mayor's office reports Duncan and the six employees who received bonus checks have repaid the entire $39,000. 6 News learned on Friday that one of Duncan's employees, Zach Rezino, has hired an attorney, maintaining that Rezino did not violate the law and was acting on orders from his supervisor.

The county director has turned the matter over to the district attorney's office and an office computer has also been handed over for examination.

Commissioner Smith and Commissioner Richard Briggs join Gene Patterson this week to talk about the controversy in the trustee' office, as well as other county matters.

Later, Gene talks to the pundits panel. This week's panel is former Knox County Commissioner Mark Harmon, 6 News political analyst George Korda, and Cortney Piper with Piper Communications.