Nashville mayor resigns in scandal
She pleads guilty in theft case involving affair with ex-cop who was bodyguard
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry pleaded guilty to a felony theft charge Tuesday and resigned from office amid a sex scandal involving her former head of security — a stunning fall from power for a leader who was once among Tennessee’s brightest political stars.
Barry, 54, who was a rising Democratic leader nationwide, announced her resignation at a packed morning news conference. It came as part of a deal with prosecutors under which Barry pleaded guilty to felony theft related to an affair with her former police bodyguard. She will serve three years’ probation and agreed to reimburse the city $11,000.
As an emotional staff looked on, Barry spoke for three minutes and did not respond to a barrage of questions as she walked away.
“While my time of mayor today concludes, my unwavering love and sincere affection for this wonderful city and its great people will never come to an end,” Barry said. “No one is as excited about this city and its bright and limitless future as I am.
“It has been my honor and it has been the privilege of my entire professional life to have the blessing and the opportunity to be your mayor,” she concluded. “God bless this wonderful city. I love you, Nashville.”
Barry’s resignation came 34 days after she admitted Jan. 31 to the affair with Sgt. Rob Forrest, the head of her police security detail.
Forrest retired Jan. 31, and Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to theft of property more than $10,000. He was also given three years’ probation and agreed to reimburse Nashville $45,000 paid to him as salary.
Barry was the subject of three investigations, including a criminal inquiry by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. At issue, in large part, was the use of taxpayer funds during the affair.
USA TODAY NETWORK reported that Forrest racked up hundreds of hours of overtime during out-of-town trips with Barry and in Nashville, where he escorted the mayor to hot yoga classes, concerts and trendy restaurants.
Republican Gov. Bill Haslam said the city has “had a lot of great days in the past and will have a lot more in the future.” Barry’s predecessor, Karl Dean, said Tuesday was a tough day for Nashville.
Democrat David Briley, the city’s vice mayor who succeeded Barry, said the resignation will “enable us to regain focus on the important work of our city.”
“My pledge is simple: As mayor, I will begin work immediately with a sole focus on managing the city and making progress on community priorities,” Briley said in a statement.