The former director of the Upper Cumberland Development District has pleaded guilty of two counts of theft of federal funds. Under a plea-deal with prosecutors, Wendy Askins will serve 18 months behind bars. Askins was accused of creating an elegant retirement home for seniors called “Living the Dream.” However she and her daughter lived in the multi-million dollar home in Cookeville using federal funds to add elaborate furnishings, including a $25,000 winding staircase.