(KNOXVILLE) A two-time candidate for the Knox County property assessor’s position said the office is under federal investigation.
During a taping of Sunday political talk show "Inside Tennessee," candidate Andrew Graybeal told the panel that he’s met with current and former employees who informed him that they’ve met with an agent from the Internal Revenue Service’s criminal investigation division as recently as “two weeks ago.”
The office determines the value of all local and commercial property in Knox County.
“What I am hearing from the employees is . . . assessments, issues and campaign contributions will get you a lower assessment – that’s what has been said to me by employees, former and current,” said Graybeal, who also ran for the job in 2008.
Graybeal is one of three Republicans seeking the position in the March 1 primary. The winner will take over the office, since no Democrat qualified.
Phil Ballard, the current property assessor, is term-limited.
After the taping, WBIR 10News reached out to Ballard’s attorney, Don Bosch, regarding the accusations.
“We have been aware of the rumors and allegations for many years now and we look forward to the day that these rumors and allegations end,” Bosch said.
Jim Weaver, the current chief deputy in the office, also is seeking the position.
He said “those are rumors we’ve heard for six years,” but he said he had never met with investigators.
“I have no knowledge of this,” he said. “These are pretty serious accusations. I have not been talked to, I don’t know anyone who has been talked to."
John Whitehead, who served as property assessor from 2000-08 and also is seeking the job, said he has not talked to investigators nor was he aware of a possible federal probe.
The Property Assessor’s Office, which has 45 employees, is responsible for appraising residential and commercial property in Knox County.
Tune in to WBIR 10News at 9:30 a.m. Sunday for more on the election.