Investigation Of Embattled TBI Official Heats Up

NASHVILLE, TN -- Nashville's top prosecutor is investigating whether Jason Locke, the embattled, now-suspended interim director of the TBI, held a gun while talking with his wife. This is in addition to the on-going investigation into allegations made by Locke's wife that he used state funds in the furtherance of an affair with another top state official. Locke said Thursday he will officially retire Monday.

Sejal West, the women with whom Locke is alleged to have had the affair, is now suspended from her job at the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, as well.

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Davidson County District Attorney-General Glenn Funk said Wednesday his office is investigating Kim Locke's allegation that her husband held a gun on her. That incident allegedly occurred in Wilson County, but Tommy Thompson, the longtime DA there, recused himself because he and Locke have a relationship dating back to Locke's time with various Wilson County law enforcement agencies prior to his taking a job with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Monday, just moments before announcing Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch would assume the TBI's directorship permanently, Gov. Bill Haslam's office said Jason Locke was under investigation after Kim Locke emailed various state leaders and media outlets, alleging her husband used taxpayer dollars during an affair with West.

Locke went on paid administrative leave Tuesday. Rausch doesn't take over at the Bureau until June 25. The TBI is being led by a cadre of top officials in the meantime.

Photos via State of Tennessee