I have received an ethics complaint against Knox County Commission Chairman Larsen Jay that has been filed with Knox County Ethics Committee.
From the complaint, the short explanation is: “Jay used a personal Venmo account to receive donations through Facebook. These donations were solicited through special interest groups.”
The law or rule allegedly violated: “use of personal accounts to receive money from Knox County citizens using political position for a non Knox County function violating conduct for an elected official of Knox County.”
He allegedly solicited from Facebook groups, “mask up Knoxville” “Stop the Spread” “I Love Karns” “I Love Powell” and his personal Facebook page.
The complaint also mentions that Jay as Chairman on October 26, 2020 abruptly adjourned the Commission meeting without a second. he allegedly left his seat and went to a CTV staff person and instructed them to cut the live video streaming while the remaining 10 Commissioners remained in their seat.
screenshot of evidence in the sworn complaint
Great reporting Brian.