RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN – A formal ethics complaint was filed with the Rutherford County Ethics Committee alleging multiple violations by County Mayor Joe Carr, including misuse of public office, personnel, and property for personal gain, attempted interference in official proceedings, and orchestrating politically motivated attacks against another elected official. A subsequent amendment added allegations of retaliation and misuse of county staff following the filing of the initial complaint.
The ethics complaint against Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr was filed by area resident Jason Bennett, who lives in District 20, served by long-time County Commissioner Trey Gooch. The complaint was filed on Monday, November 10, 2025. Originally, it appeared that the complaint was submitted by a “concerned citizen.” However, after a county employee allegedly contacted the citizen’s place of work, Jason Bennett told WGNS that he was willing to have his name publicly released in connection with the filing, which can be read in full detail, along with the “Amendment” HERE (PDF).
According to the complaint, Bennett alleges multiple instances of misconduct by Mayor Carr that work to undermine the integrity of county government. The first claim centers on accusations that Mayor Carr improperly attempted to influence Commissioner Robert Peay ahead of a July 2024 ethics hearing involving Property Assessor Rob Mitchell. The complaint asserts that such behavior constitutes unethical interference in a quasi-judicial proceeding, violating the principle of impartiality expected of elected officials…