James Michael Cox
Note: This story was last updated at 9:15 a.m. Feb. 12.
A former Anderson County commissioner, commission chair, and teacher has been indicted on one count of theft over $60,000 from a church in Rocky Top, authorities said.
James Michael “Mike” Cox surrendered at the Anderson County Detention Facility in Clinton on Thursday afternoon, Anderson County District Attorney General Dave Clark said.
Cox was indicted by the Anderson County Grand Jury on the Class B felony on February 2.
The theft of about $100,000 is alleged to have occurred from Longfield Baptist Church in Rocky Top, the former Lake City, between June 1, 2011, and December 1, 2014, Clark said.
He said he can’t discuss when the alleged theft was discovered.
If convicted, Cox could face a potential sentence of eight to 12 years, Clark said.
The case was investigated by Jeff Gilliam of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department.
Cox also used to work at Sears in Oak Ridge, and he will be arraigned in Anderson County Circuit Court. His bond has been set at $75,000.
Other media outlets have reported that Cox is a former church treasurer who served 28 years on Anderson County Commission, and he is a retired Anderson County school teacher. He served as a teacher at Medford Elementary School, which is now closed, and Lake City Middle School, according to The Oak Ridger. He last served as County Commission chair in 2004-2005, according to the Clinton Courier News. Cox, who represented District 4 (Lake City, Briceville), lost his re-election bid in the August 2010 election.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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