Ethics Complaints & Government Dysfunction
How One Middle Tennessee City Board Is Embroiled in Ethics Complaints
The Mayor and Commissioners filed ethics complaints against each other over a property development proposal that would personally benefit a sitting commissioner.
Property Plans Cause Ethics Complaints Against Two City Commissioners
Two commissioners were found to be significantly involved — one as a landowner, one as a real estate agent — in properties being considered for city purchase, leading to ethics complaints from fellow board members.
Ethics Complaints Tossed After State Law Mishap
Four ethics complaints involving the Mayor and two Commissioners were dismissed, then had to be revisited because the city's own review process violated state law.
All Seven Mt. Juliet Ethics Complaints Settled
After a five-hour meeting, the Ethics Commission dismissed two of six complaints filed by all five commissioners and the mayor against each other. The remaining four were withdrawn. A seventh complaint from a citizen was also resolved.
Employee Misconduct & Theft
Phone Sales, Sex During Work Hours Led to Mt. Juliet Firings
The city's IT Director and a technician were fired after an anonymous tip accused them of selling old city equipment for personal gain and engaging in a sexual relationship during work hours. A state investigation followed.
Former Mt. Juliet IT Director, Employee Charged by TBI
A grand jury indicted the former IT Director on charges of Theft of Property ($2,500-$10,000), additional theft, and Tampering with Evidence. The technician was charged with Theft of Property ($1,000-$2,500).
Former Mt. Juliet Police Sergeant Arrested on Theft Charges
A police sergeant was sentenced to six months in prison for filing over 500 hours of overtime he never worked, earning $14,180 in fraudulent pay. He pled guilty to federal program fraud and wire fraud.
Overdevelopment & Traffic Crisis
Mount Juliet Pauses Some Apartment Projects Amid Growth Concerns
City leaders approved a one-year moratorium on high-density housing applications after residents complained about congestion and overdevelopment. One commissioner admitted: "When people complain about growth... they're really complaining about the congestion, the traffic."
Mt. Juliet Survey Works to Identify Dangerous Roads
Residents described local roads as a "traffic torture chamber." A city survey found 10 fatal crashes and 47 serious-injury crashes on Mt. Juliet roadways between 2019-2023.
Concerns Over New Housing Development Plans on Congested Central Pike
A large apartment development was proposed on Central Pike despite existing severe traffic congestion, drawing strong opposition from residents.
'It's Going to Ruin Our Lives As We Know It' — City Leaders Defer Apartment Project
Residents pleaded with city leaders to reject a proposed apartment development, with one stating it would "ruin our lives as we know it." Leaders deferred the decision.
Commissioner Proposes 'Pumping the Brakes' on Apartments for a Year
A commissioner proposed a one-year ban on high-density housing, citing Lebanon Road and South Mt. Juliet Road as "two of the worst highly congested roads" in the city.
State Report Shows Wilson County's Infrastructure Needs Are in the Billions
A state report revealed that Wilson County (which includes Mt. Juliet) faces billions in infrastructure needs. The population has nearly doubled in 12 years while roads and utilities struggle to keep pace.
Property Tax Hikes & Financial Concerns
City Commissioner Pushes for Tax Program as 400% Property Tax Hike Looms
City management proposed quadrupling the property tax rate from $0.11 to $0.44 per $100. Residents spoke against the proposal during nearly two hours of public comment. One commissioner pushed for a tax freeze program to help elderly and low-income homeowners.
Mt. Juliet Property Tax Rates Could Quadruple
The proposed property tax rate was amended to go from $0.11 to $0.44 — a 300% increase. Several city positions were also eliminated in the proposed budget.
Mt. Juliet Commissioners Approve Property Tax Increase
The Mt. Juliet Planning Commission approved a $0.29 property tax rate, a substantial increase from the previous $0.11 rate.
TN Bill Would Limit Local Property Tax Increases After Mt. Juliet's 'Egregious' Hike
State Rep. Jason Zachary called Mt. Juliet's 164% property tax increase "egregious." He sponsored a bill (HB 1873) to limit local property tax increases to 2% annually or 6% over three years, citing Mt. Juliet's tax hike as the impetus.
Mt. Juliet Ordered to Pay $472K to Schools for Liquor Taxes
The city was ordered to pay more than $472,600 plus interest in back tax revenues to Wilson County public schools after losing a lawsuit over liquor tax distribution.
Law Enforcement Controversies
Family Suing After Mt. Juliet Police Traffic Stop Left Man Dead
The family of a man shot by Mt. Juliet police during a traffic stop filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city and its police department.
Judge Won't Dismiss Lawsuit Against Officers in Deadly I-65 Shooting
A federal judge denied a request to dismiss an excessive force lawsuit against multiple officers, including a Mt. Juliet police officer, after the fatal shooting of Landon Eastep on Interstate 65 in 2022.
Lawsuit Claims Officer in Deadly I-65 Shooting Had 'Longstanding Disciplinary History'
A lawsuit alleged that an off-duty Mt. Juliet police officer involved in the fatal shooting of Landon Eastep on I-65 had a documented history of disciplinary issues.
Five Sober Drivers Arrested for DUI File Federal Lawsuits Against Tennessee Officers
A Mt. Juliet resident with neuropathy and six knee surgeries was arrested for DUI after being forced to perform a field sobriety test. Lab results showed he was completely sober. He filed a federal lawsuit against the arresting officers.
School & Institutional Issues
Mt. Juliet Student Kicked Out of School After Reporting Teacher's Racist Comment
A 16-year-old Mt. Juliet High School junior of Hispanic heritage said a teacher repeatedly called him "Austin Fettuccine" in front of other students. After he reported it, he says he was the one punished.
Nazi Symbols Rattle Green Hill High, Spark Mt. Juliet Investigation
Nazi symbols were discovered inside Green Hill High School in Mt. Juliet, prompting an investigation by the school district and local law enforcement.
Storm Response & Cleanup
January Ice Storm Creates Biggest Debris Collection in Half a Century
The January 2026 ice storm created the largest debris collection effort the city had seen in 50 years. The Board of Commissioners passed an emergency budget amendment to hire outside contractors.
Mt. Juliet Launches Contracted Ice Storm Debris Cleanup Expected to Take Weeks
The city brought in outside contractors to clear thousands of cubic yards of debris that overwhelmed municipal capacity following January's ice storm.
Violent Crime & Public Safety
Third Man Dies After Mt. Juliet Marina Shooting and Standoff
Three people died in a shooting and standoff at Cedar Creek Marina. The TBI identified Gary Haley Jr., 45, as the shooter who opened fire on victims and then exchanged gunfire with police before being killed.
3 Dead in Officer-Involved Shooting at Mt. Juliet Marina
The deadly Cedar Creek Marina incident left three people dead, including the suspected shooter. Residents were ordered to shelter in place during the standoff.
Marina Safety Under Review After 3 Shot, Killed in Mt. Juliet
Cedar Creek Marina's security policies came under scrutiny following the deadly shooting. Witnesses reported the suspect had been threatening others on the dock before the violence escalated.
Victim's Friends Say Concerns Were Raised Before Deadly Marina Shooting
Friends of victim Robert Brogdon, 52, said warning signs had been raised before the deadly shooting. He happened upon an armed robbery and was killed.
Jury Convicts Man on All 10 Charges in Mt. Juliet Child Sex Case
A Wilson County jury found Pedro Barrera guilty on all 10 charges involving three victims at Mt. Juliet apartment complexes. The crimes occurred from 2017 to 2020.
$1M Bond Set for Teen Charged in Mt. Juliet High Student's Shooting Death
A 15-year-old was charged in the shooting death of a Mt. Juliet High School student. A judge set a $1 million bond.
Man Convicted of Reckless Homicide in Mt. Juliet Teen's Death
A 22-year-old Wilson County man was found guilty of "recklessly killing" a Mt. Juliet teen the day after his birthday in 2022.
Fatal Accidents
Family of Pedestrian Killed in Mt. Juliet Crash Speaks Out
A Mt. Juliet family grieved after their relative was killed in a pedestrian crash on Lebanon Road that backed up traffic for over an hour.
Pedestrian Killed After Being Hit on Lebanon Road
A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a vehicle on Lebanon Road near Sunset Drive — one of the city's most congested corridors.
Person Found Dead After Mt. Juliet Home Destroyed by Fire
A person was found dead inside a converted outbuilding-home on West Division Street after fire destroyed the structure.
Natural Disasters
Stoner Creek Elementary Reopens After 2020 Tornado Leveled Building
Nearly three years after an EF3 tornado destroyed the school, Stoner Creek Elementary finally reopened. The March 2020 tornado killed five people (three in Mt. Juliet) and destroyed hundreds of homes.
Mt. Juliet Police Mark Six Years Since Devastating Tornado
Six years after the 2020 tornado outbreak, the police department reflected on the "unimaginable loss" — winds approaching 150 mph caused massive damage, destroying hundreds of homes and businesses.
Donation Drive Launched After Officer Loses Home to Fire in Mt. Juliet
A devastating house fire destroyed the home of a Nashville International Airport Police Officer. He, his wife, and his K9 partner escaped safely. Over $30,000 was raised in donations.
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