MADISONVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A new investigative report from the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office outlines misconduct involving inmate labor that led to the indictment of two individuals connected to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the report, fleet supervisor Neal Townsend and part-time employee Jamey “Lee” Frank were indicted on charges of official misconduct and improper use of inmate labor. The allegations stem from incidents that took place between January and June of 2025.
Investigators say Townsend, who oversaw the sheriff’s office fleet operations, had access to “trusty inmates”—low-risk inmates generally assigned to perform unpaid work that benefits county operations. However, the report found that one such inmate was improperly used to work at a privately owned boat repair business, rather than at authorized county facilities.
“Video footage showed Frank working at the privately owned watercraft business with the trusty inmate who was normally assigned to the department maintenance garage,” the report stated.
Officials said that on multiple occasions, Frank picked up the inmate from his assigned work location at the county airport and transported him to the private business, where both Frank and Townsend were also working—despite not being on duty for the sheriff’s office at the time.
The report also raised concerns about safety violations. The inmate was allowed to operate two vehicles without supervision, something investigators say could increase the risk of escape or accidents. Additionally, the inmate was seen on video smoking cigarettes, which violates sheriff’s office policies.
Further issues highlighted in the report involve training and oversight. Comptroller investigators found that the sheriff’s office did not properly train Frank, who had himself previously been incarcerated and was later hired after being granted parole.
The investigation also determined that the sheriff’s office lacked proper documentation and tracking systems for inmate labor assignments and vehicle use—gaps that contributed to the misconduct going undetected for a period of time.
State officials emphasized that inmate work programs are intended strictly for public benefit and must be closely monitored to ensure compliance with policies and safety standards.
The case against Townsend and Frank is now moving forward through the legal system.
