NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The man accused of stealing money from elderly residents at Metro's assisted living facility was supposed to be in court this morning.
Mike Hampton is charged with taking tens of thousands of dollars from the residents' trust funds at the Knowles Homes in Bordeaux. He's also accused of misusing tens of thousands in tax dollars while he was running the city's facility which at the time was known as Autumn Hills.
Hampton was arrested last month.
NewsChannel 5 Investigates first exposed financial problems at the assisted living facility more than two years ago. Our findings prompted a Metro audit that found, all told, more than $125,000 missing from the residents' funds.
This morning in court, Hampton's attorney showed up instead and told the judge that Hampton is pleading not guilty to the charges.
The judge meanwhile announced that he will be recusing himself from the case. The reason? Judge Monte Watkins said in court that "I know Mr. Hampton quite well."
Hampton's business partner, Sam Latham is also charged in the case. He's set to make his first appearance in two weeks.
To learn more about NewsChannel 5 Investigates reporting on Autumn Hills:
Residents angry after former managers of assisted living facility arrested for theft
Former Metro home for aged faces financial woes
Councilman requests audit of assisted living home
New questions about who's running Autumn Hills
Changes uncertain at Autumn Hills
Board approves $12m for Bordeaux project
Metro deal not such a deal after all
Metro council members demand changes at Autumn Hills
Metro council members want Autumn Hills managers out
Nashville cuts ties with Autumn Hills developer
Metro audit finds lack of oversight led to problems at Autumn Hills Assisted Living
Developer hired to run Autumn Hills sues City
