Although investigators have not made any further comments on the investigation into two former Mt. Juliet IT workers, personnel files reveal the reasoning for their firing.
Last week, the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ obtained the employee records of Travis Taylor, 55, former IT Director, and River Johnson, 28, former IT Technician. Despite generally positive employee reviews, both were terminated for violating city policies and are accused of selling old City of Mt. Juliet cell phones for personal profit and of engaging in inappropriate sexual relationships on city property and on the clock.
The specific violations listed on the records pertain to personal conduct, code of ethics, use of city vehicles and equipment, cell phone use, computer and internet use, sexual harassment and personal relationships. Taylor was additionally accused of violating a policy regarding outside employment.
According to an internal memo, on Sept. 29, Mt. Juliet Police received an anonymous tip accusing Taylor and Johnson of the violations. Johnson was also accused of covering up and hiding the transactions. The next day, both were placed on administrative leave.
Mt. Juliet Mayor James Maness previously said both were terminated on Oct. 7 due to the result of an internal investigation. Taylor was originally hired in 2008 and Johnson in 2019.
District Attorney General Jason Lawson requested the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to investigate allegations of criminal activity. Lawson and the TBI have only confirmed an investigation is taking place and did not give specifics.
Taylor’s file also shows he filed for unemployment benefits after his termination from the City. The State of Tennessee denied the claim due to work-related misconduct.
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