A former Assistant District Attorney in Tennessee’s 13th Judicial District has entered a no-contest plea following a state investigation that uncovered thousands of dollars in improper mileage claims and unauthorized online gambling on state equipment.

Jessie Mayberry, who previously served in the 13th Judicial District, pleaded no contest on July 21 to Class A misdemeanor theft in Overton County Circuit Court. As part of her plea agreement, Mayberry was placed on unsupervised probation for 11 months and 29 days under judicial diversion relief, and was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine along with $1,000 in restitution to the State of Tennessee.

An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office revealed that between January 2021 and January 2025, Mayberry improperly received $6,021.01 in reimbursements for her daily commute between her home in Cookeville and her official workstation in Livingston (Overton County). Under state policy, daily commuting expenses are not eligible for reimbursement. While Mayberry claimed she believed she had permission to bill for her commute, the District Attorney General could not recall granting such an exception.

Investigators also flagged an additional $3,613.72 in mileage claims submitted between May 2024 and January 2025. Coworkers and local law enforcement reported that Mayberry rarely worked in person or appeared at the office during that period, leaving investigators with no evidence to support many of the travel dates claimed.

Beyond the financial discrepancies, investigators discovered Mayberry violated state computer policies by using her state-issued laptop and email address to engage in online gambling, including entering contests and managing personal winnings.

Key Timeline of Events

• January 2021 – January 2025: Improper mileage claims and questionable travel reimbursements submitted.

• July 7, 2025: Mayberry placed on paid administrative leave.

• June 1, 2026: Mayberry submits her resignation, effective June 18, 2026.

• July 21, 2026: Mayberry enters a no-contest plea to Class A misdemeanor theft.

Calls for Stronger Oversight

Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower highlighted the report as a warning regarding internal oversight within state offices.

“Supervisors and approving officials must take the time to carefully review claims for payment,” Mumpower stated. “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 reported that corrective actions have been or will be implemented to address the internal control weaknesses identified in the audit.