Obion County nursing home managers got $561,000 unearned pay; board didn't check payroll
A Tennessee Comptroller investigation released July 1, 2026 found that three managers at the county-owned Obion County Nursing and Rehab in Union City received at least $561,289 in unearned pay between January 2022 and October 2025. Former Social Services Director Briana Workman, HR Director Jade Eakes and Interim Administrator Donna Childress claimed hours not worked, paid themselves for leave they had not earned, and gave themselves unapproved raises, bonuses or lump sums. Another 28 employees received at least $194,632 for leave they had not accrued. The comptroller found the nursing home's board, appointed by the county mayor and commission, did not review payroll records or approve employee compensation. An Obion County grand jury indicted all three on theft charges in June 2026; they pleaded not guilty. The report did not cite action against board members.
Three former nursing home employees were arraigned Monday, each pleading not guilty to charges stemming from what investigators say was more than $561,000 in unearned pay.
The board failed to review detailed payroll records for Childress and employees. Per the board policies, the board is responsible for approving Administrator compensation and employee salary schedules.
During an interview with investigators, Eakes acknowledged that she knew she was being overpaid.
Not yet contacted for this story.
Pleaded not guilty.
Told investigators she knew she was being overpaid; later pleaded not guilty.
Pleaded not guilty.
No outcome recorded yet.