Sullivan highway commissioner to retire amid probe
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – An interim East Tennessee highway commissioner says he is retiring from his position amid a probe of the department.
Terry Shaffer was appointed to the post in Sullivan County three years ago after the previous official was convicted of theft and misconduct charges.
Shaffer told the Kingsport Times-News (http://bit.ly/IHPjOg) that the probe has nothing to do with his decision to leave. He says he is stepping down because he has worked for the county more than 30 years and wants to make sure someone else will have time to run for the seat.
Sullivan County District Attorney General Barry Staubus declined to detail the nature of the investigation, but said he expected it to conclude by early next year.
Staubus said finding would be presented to a grand jury.
