Case Against Bedford County Emergency Communications Director On Hold Until May

Negotiations are still ongoing in the case against the former director of the Bedford County Emergency Communications District accused of theft.
Cathey D. Mathis’ case has been passed until May 16, after defense attorney Greg Reed told Circuit Court Judge Lee Russell that preliminary discussions are taking place with Coffee County Assistant District Attorney Felicia Walkup.
Reed said there “was a possibility of some resolution,” but they would like more time for discussions.
Russell asked if he should get a judge from Nashville to hear the case, since he can only accept a plea in the matter, and not as a contested case.
Walkup said if they could have an additional month for discussions, there may be a resolution in the case. Russell advised if the case goes to trial, another judge will have to be selected.
The former director was charged with theft of property over $10,000 by direct indictment following an investigation by the Coffee County District Attorney’s Office. The local office would prosecute if the case goes to court in order to avoid any conflict of interest with local court or law enforcement officials.
In April of 2013, an investigative state audit charged Mathis with $46,807 in undocumented or “questionable purchases.” (Shelbyville Times-Gazette)