Nashville’s Ex-Officials Charged with Felonies in Behavioral Health Contract Scandal

Nashville Shines a Light on Legal Trouble: Former Officials Face Felony Charges

Nashville, Tenn. – In a gripping turn of events, two former public figures are facing serious legal issues connected to a hefty multimillion-dollar contract for behavioral health services. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has brought felony charges against Wesley Landers, 55, and Jeffrey Wells, 54, both of Georgia, marking a significant moment in the realm of public service accountability.

The Background of the Case

The saga involves a whopping $123 million contract related to behavioral health services for the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC). Landers served as the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Financial Officer for TDOC from 2012 until 2020, while Wells held the role of vice president at a company, indicated only as Company B, from 2018 until February 2021. The story took an unusual twist when it was revealed that Landers allegedly used his personal email account to share confidential information with Wells, related to the bidding for the contract.

How Did This All Unfold?

To give you a clearer picture, back in 2019, TDOC had an existing contract with another company, termed Company A. As that contract was nearing its end, state officials issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a new contract. When the time came, Wells’s Company B emerged victorious in the bidding process, winning the new contract in July 2020. However, the allegations state that Landers was reportedly passing along sensitive information that tilted the scales in Company B’s favor—something that raises a lot of eyebrows!

The Surprising Aftermath

After leaving TDOC, Landers was immediately swept into Company B as their Vice President of Operations. Interestingly, this position was created just for him. No job postings, no interviews with other candidates—he was hired right away! By February 2021, things took a sharp turn when senior leaders at the company found out about the confidential TDOC information exchange during the RFP process.

As a result, both Landers and Wells were shown the door. Their dismissal was documented, but the drama did not stop there. The situation escalated when Company A filed a civil lawsuit in October 2020, which named both Company B and the Tennessee state as defendants.

Trying to Cover Their Tracks

Now, here’s where things get more complicated. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Landers and Wells didn’t just sit quietly after being subpoenaed for their communications about the RFP. Instead, they allegedly started conspiring to cover their tracks. Landers reportedly employed a “specialized program” to erase personal emails linked to the investigation. Not stopping there, the duo also grabbed new cellphones to plot out ways to hide essential information from the subpoenas and deposition notices. Talk about trying to stay one step ahead!

False Testimony and Potential Consequences

As the investigation unfolded, the situation got stickier. Allegations have surfaced that both men provided false testimony during depositions. They allegedly lied about whether they exchanged documents related to the RFP, when they last talked, and if they had chatted on messaging apps like WhatsApp.

While it’s crucial to remember that these charges are merely accusations at this stage, the potential fallout is serious. If found guilty, Landers and Wells could face up to five years in prison. The case acts as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical behavior in both government and corporate sectors.

The Bigger Picture

The Nashville community will be keeping a close eye on the developments of this case. It’s not just about these two individuals; it’s about ensuring that public resources are handled with integrity and transparency. As the legal journey unfolds, many residents will likely be watching with bated breath to see how this unfolds and what it might mean for public trust in governmental operations.