Former Assistant DA Improperly Claimed Mileage
13th Judicial District includes seven counties on the Cumberland Plateau
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has revealed that Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Jessie Mayberry, who served in the 13th Judicial District, improperly received at least $6,021.01 in mileage reimbursements for her daily commute and submitted additional questionable mileage claims totaling $3,613.72 between January 2021 and January 2025.
Investigators determined that Mayberry submitted monthly mileage claims for travel between her home in Cookeville and her official workstation in Overton County (Livingston). According to state travel policy, commuting mileage is not reimbursable. Mayberry told investigators she believed she had received permission to claim commuting mileage; however, the District Attorney General could not recall granting such an exception.
From May 2024 through January 2025, investigators also questioned Mayberry’s mileage reimbursement claims totaling $3,613.72 because there was no evidence she traveled on many of the dates claimed. Coworkers and local law enforcement reported that Mayberry rarely came into the office or worked in person, despite her claims of frequent travel.
Comptroller investigators also discovered that Mayberry violated the office’s computer use policy by using her state-issued laptop and email account for gambling-related activities. She participated in multiple online contests and created accounts to deposit and withdraw personal gambling winnings using her government email address.
Mayberry was placed on paid Administrative Leave on July 7, 2025. On June 1, 2026, Mayberry resigned, effective June 18, 2026.
Based upon this investigation, on July 21, 2026, Mayberry entered a plea of No Contest by way of Criminal Information to a Class A Misdemeanor Theft in Overton County Circuit Court. Mayberry waived venue and agreed to enter the plea in DeKalb County. Mayberry was granted judicial diversion relief and was placed on unsupervised probation for a period of 11 months and 29 days. Mayberry was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine as well as restitution to the State of Tennessee in the amount of $1,000.
“Supervisors and approving officials must take the time to carefully review claims for payment,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “The lack of adequate oversight allowed improper reimbursements to be processed without detection. Strong review and approval procedures are essential to protecting public funds.”
District officials have indicated they have taken or will take corrective actions to address these internal control weaknesses.
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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