A former Upper Cumberland Assistant District Attorney entered a no contest plea to Class A misdemeanor theft, following an investigation into improper mileage reimbursements.
Jessie Mayberry received at least $6,000 for her daily commute between January 2021 and January 2025. Mayberry also submitted questionable mileage claims totaling $3,613.72 during a period when coworkers and law enforcement reported she rarely worked in person.
“Supervisors and approving officials must take the time to carefully review claims for payment,” State Comptroller Jason Mumpower said in a press release. “The lack of adequate oversight allowed improper reimbursements to be processed without detection. Strong review and approval procedures are essential to protecting public funds.”
The 13th District Assistant claimed travel expenses for trips between her home in Cookeville and her official workstation in Livingston. State travel policy does not allow for the reimbursement of commuting mileage.
Investigators found no evidence Mayberry traveled on many of the dates she claimed between May 2024 and January 2025. Mayberry told investigators she believed she had permission to claim the mileage, but the District Attorney General did not recall granting an exception.
Mayberry also used her state-issued laptop and government email account for gambling-related activities in violation of office policy. She used the account to participate in online contests and to deposit and withdraw personal gambling winnings.
Mayberry was placed on paid administrative leave on July 7, 2025, and resigned effective June 18, 2026. TShe was placed on unsupervised probation for 11 months and 29 days under judicial diversion.
Mayberry was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and $1,000 in restitution to the State of Tennessee.
