Brittany Lynch, Journalist
brittany.ucereporter@gmail.com
COOKEVILLE, T.N., — Members of the UCHRA board met yesterday to discuss the allegations against Executive Director of the UCHRA, Luke Collins.
In a previous News Channel 4 television segment, an investigative team began taking a closer look at the alleged actions of Collins. Their findings, which were aired, featured timesheets, social media statuses and even a detailed record of Collins’ whereabouts and activities in a two year record kept by a fellow employee. Allegedly, Collins would be away from the office but on his time sheet would say he was working.
“I have had ongoing concerns about the managements of this agency for the three years I have served on the board as Mayor of Cookeville,” said Ricky Shelton. “The overall management and direction of the organization is not what it should be.This organization is in this community to help. If the programs aren’t managed properly they are often times not getting to the people who need it. ”
As all of these allegations came to light, the board of UCHRA thought it was time to address them as a group. Members of the board all met for their regular meeting. During the New Business section of the Policy Meeting, the investigation on Collins was brought up.
During the meeting Collins was asked about the allegations, he stated, “I have been falsely accused. And I have come here to defend myself.”
A nomination from the floor was put forth that Collins be put on suspension. After amendments on the nomination, members of the board settled on a decision. Collins was placed on administrative leave with pay and is to have no contact with employees until the end of the Comptroller’s investigation.
“It is my opinion that we have a obligation to the public to be as frugal and efficient with tax payers money as much as possible,” said Curtis Hayes, Chairman of the Board. “UCHRA is very important to the people here in the Upper Cumberland. The goal for UCHRA is to allow folks to go from dependent to independent.We need to stay focused on the task at hand and that is continue to provide second to none services.”
Collins was also escorted to his office by various individuals as he picked up some personal belongings and was then escorted out the door respectively. News Channel 4 reporters and other media attempted to get a statement from Collins but he declined. This isn’t the first time Collins has refused to speak to the media. Originally, Collins agreed to speak to the News Channel 4 I-Team but he then didn’t show up.
For more on this story and more like it continue reading with the Upper Cumberland Reporter.