NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Metro Councilmember has been cleared of wrongdoing after an intense ethics hearing. The Board of Ethical Conduct voted to dismiss the ethics violation, which stated District 1 Councilmember Joy Kimbrough used her office for personal gain.

On Monday, there were hours of testimony and arguments from both sides. At the end of the day, the board reached their decision and unanimously dismissed the ethics complaint.

The drama stems from land that would be rezoned for Best Brands, a liquor distribution company, to build a warehouse on Ashland City Highway and Briley Parkway. The company promised to hire employees from Bordeaux, and for five years, give $150,000 to nonprofits in the area.

However, the complaint filed by CEO Ryan Moses alleged Kimbrough demanded a $500,000 payment to a fund she would control, in exchange for supporting his company's rezoning request.

Kimbrough denied the claims during her opening statement and again during her testimony.

“I have never demanded, solicited, requested, or asked for any amount of money for myself or on behalf of my community from Mr. Moses,” Kimbrough said.

During testimony, witnesses claimed Kimbrough's remarks were a 'bluff' and others described strong community opposition to the project.

In the end, the board sided with Kimbrough and dismissed the ethics violation.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/kimbrough-cleared-ethics-violation/