Court rules former Greene Co. school board member made offensive remarks to exchange students
GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – A former Greene County Board of Education member who pleaded guilty to official misconduct made offensive remarks toward foreign exchange students, according to court documents.
Hugh Thomas Cobble resigned from the school board on April 12, citing health concerns as his reason for doing so in a resignation letter. News Channel 11 later learned the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was looking into allegations against Cobble.
On Wednesday, Cobble pleaded guilty to official misconduct in Greene County Criminal Court. He was placed on supervised probation for one year.
DA: Ex-Greene Co. school board member pleads guilty to official misconduct
Court documents obtained by News Channel 11 state Cobble used his position on the school board to “obtain the favor of foreign exchange student and their housemates.” He then made offensive remarks and engaged in offensive conduct toward those students and their housemates.
Official misconduct occurs when a public servant uses their position to benefit themselves or harm others. It is a Class E felony in Tennessee.
A court order filed on Wednesday also bars Cobble from having any contact with, harassing or threatening four individuals, whose identities were redacted.
Third Judicial District Attorney General Dan Armstrong told News Channel 11 Wednesday that after pleading guilty, Cobble is no longer permitted to hold a public office, vote or own a firearm.
The Greene County Commission will select a replacement to serve out the remainder of Cobble’s term on the school board at its May 20 meeting.
Cobble won the Republican primary for his seat in March, but since his conviction makes him ineligible to have his name on the ballot in the August general election, the chair of the Tennessee Republican Party’s State Executive Committee can file the name of party’s new nominee with the county election commission.
The party has until noon on June 22 to file the name of the new nominee.
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