Investigation shifts as DA recuses himself, citing personal ties to key figures in the race
(UCBJ) – District Attorney Bryant Dunaway has recused himself from deciding whether criminal charges will be pursued in the wake of allegations that Putnam County Clerk and mayoral candidate Wayne Nabors violated campaign ethics during his mayoral campaign.
As first reported by the Upper Cumberland Business Journal (UCBJ), an investigation into concluded that “the allegations appear to have merit,” according to documents obtained from the Bureau of Ethics & Campaign Finance (BECF). The documents showed the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury’s (TCT) office received the allegations Monday, March 2, 2026, stating:
“… Nabors, required PCC employees to perform work in the PCC’s office during regular business hours for his campaign for the Putnam County Mayor election.”
Dunaway said via email he has requested “a Pro Tem prosecutor be assigned to review the allegation and make any appropriate decision.”
The decision to recuse is based on two factors:
- “I have personally known Wayne Nabors for years;”
- “I personally made a financial contribution to the campaign of Mayor Randy Porter prior to becoming aware of the allegations.”
“Because of these two factors, I do not want there to be any appearance of impropriety and feel it appropriate for a prosecutor with no connection to the parties make the evaluation,” Dunaway said.
Check back for updates as they become available.
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