Former Metro Human Relations Official Misappropriated More Than $62,000
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Mark Eatherly, the former Deputy Executive Director of the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission (MHRC) in Nashville. The investigation began after Metro officials identified questionable financial transactions and reimbursements handled by Eatherly.
Investigators determined that Eatherly misappropriated at least $62,463.48 for his personal benefit. Eatherly directed Metro funds to organizations that he created and controlled, submitted ineligible reimbursement claims, and used public money to pay for personal expenses such as cell phone and internet bills; food delivery and rideshare services; and expenses for trips across the United States and Europe. Investigators also found that Eatherly transferred Metro funds through an external organization to disguise that he was the recipient of the money.
In addition to the misappropriation, Eatherly initiated unauthorized payments totaling $196,500 to support an initiative known as “Save the Morris.” The funds were intended to promote the preservation of the historic Morris Memorial Building in downtown Nashville. Eatherly directed three Metro payments totaling $101,500 to a private organization that he used to establish a “Donor Fund,” and he later transferred $67,500 from that account to a new fund at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. He also approved an additional $95,000 payment from MHRC to the same foundation. These funds were used to pay for event costs, performers, and public relations expenses related to the Save the Morris project. Metro’s Department of Law determined that MHRC had no authority to make these payments without Metro Council approval.
Mark Eatherly resigned from employment at MHRC effective July 3, 2025.
Based upon this investigation, on November 13, 2025, the Davidson County Grand Jury indicted Mark Scott Eatherly II on one count of theft over $60,000, one count of official misconduct, and one count of money laundering.
“This case demonstrates the importance of oversight, accountability, and separation of duties within government offices,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “No single employee should have unchecked control over financial decisions and approvals, especially when taxpayer dollars are at stake.”
To view the investigative report, go to tncot.cc/doireports. To view a map depicting Comptroller investigations, go to tncot.cc/mappinginvestigations
If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of public money in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at 800.232.5454, or file a report online at: tncot.cc/fraud. Follow us on X/Twitter @TNCOT and Instagram @tncot
Media contact: John Dunn, Director of Communications, 615.401.7755 or john.dunn@cot.tn.gov
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