KNS

The attorney general and his staff will "focus primarily on the use of grant funds and on audits of the mayor's hospitality funds, county purchasing card charges and expense reimbursements and travel expenses. This will include fulfilling the legal obligations to advise citizens seeking to bring an ouster suit."

UPDATE: Mayor’s Office Statement on State Attorney General’s Involvement

The Knox County Mayor’s Office released a statement late Monday afternoon regarding the appointment of State Attorney General Robert E. Cooper, Jr. to assist in reviewing matters related to Knox County government.

Chief Administrative Officer Dwight Van de Vate offered the following comment:

“We welcome the involvement of the State Attorney General’s Office and the continued efforts of General Bright. The work of General Cooper and his staff will ensure a fact-finding process that is careful, deliberate, and objective. We will continue to support their work and look forward to seeing these questions definitively answered once and for all.”