Three Former Obion County Nursing Home Employees Indicted After Receiving More Than $561,000 in Unearned Compensation
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of three former employees of Obion County Nursing and Rehab after investigators determined they improperly received more than $561,000 in unearned and unauthorized compensation.
The investigation began after county officials reported questionable payroll transactions.
Investigators determined that former Social Services Director Briana Workman, former Human Resources Director Jade Eakes, and former Interim Administrator Donna Childress improperly received a combined total of at least $561,289.52 in unearned compensation between January 2022 and October 2025.
Workman improperly received at least $248,670.90 by claiming hours she did not work, receiving compensation for holiday, vacation, and sick leave she had not earned, awarding herself unauthorized pay increases, and processing lump-sum payments to herself.
Eakes improperly received at least $192,453.21 through similar methods, including claiming hours not worked, receiving compensation for unearned leave, and receiving an unauthorized pay increase. During an interview with investigators, Eakes acknowledged that she knew she was being overpaid.
Childress improperly received at least $120,165.41 by claiming hours not worked, receiving compensation for unearned leave, and receiving unauthorized bonus payments and a pay increase.
Investigators also determined the three employees falsely claimed a combined $19,207.44 in employee contributions to the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS), resulting in the nursing home reporting inflated retirement contributions on their behalf. In addition, investigators identified $50,704.24 in unearned employer-paid benefits associated with the improper compensation.
The investigation further found that 28 additional nursing home employees received at least $194,632.21 in compensation for leave they had not accrued because leave balances were not properly maintained or monitored.
Based upon this investigation, in June 2026, the Obion County Grand Jury indicted Briana Workman on one count of theft of property over $250,000. Jade Eakes and Donna Childress were each indicted on one count of property over $60,000.
“Boards must ensure oversight of nursing home operations including payroll, employee leave, and retirement reporting,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “Additionally, when payroll duties are concentrated in too few hands and employee leave balances are not independently reviewed, improper compensation can continue for years without being detected.”
To view the investigative report, go to tncot.cc/doireports. To view a map depicting Comptroller investigations, go to tncot.cc/mappinginvestigations
If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of public money in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at 800.232.5454, or file a report online at: tncot.cc/fraud. Follow us on X/Twitter @TNCOT and Instagram @tncot
Media contact: John Dunn, Director of Communications, 615.401.7755 or john.dunn@cot.tn.gov
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