Alderman Wiggins Considering Suit Against Monterey Officials After Allegations

Monterey Alderman Bill Wiggins has challenged some members of the board regarding allegations made against him.

At a previous meeting when Wiggins was appointed to fill the Ward four seat, Alderman Amy Martin questioned Wiggins about an alleged Tennessee Comptroller’s investigation. Wiggins said the remarks of alleged bank fraud and incorrect minutes harmed his reputation.

“I have thought either a lawsuit, or just the court of public opinion,” Wiggins said. “I opted last night for the court of public opinion. That’s why I asked Miss Martin those questions. Which bank did I fraud? How much money was involved? Her lips were sealed.”

Wiggins said he has been in discussions with a lawyer about the situation. Wiggins said he is still debating filing a formal suit against Martin, as well as, Mayor JJ Reels.

“The mayor has been fueling this episode himself by telling people I am under investigation, and it is is an active investigation,” Wiggins said. “You leave people hanging, and they think investigation. Something is sinister here. So, yeah, he is a contributor.”

When asked if the allegations were true, Wiggins said no. However, Wiggins was interviewed by the Comptroller’s office in November. But according to Wiggins, there was no indication of an investigation of misused money.

“Those subjects were never ever mentioned,” Wiggins said. “For those folks who are familiar with how the Comptroller operates, anyone can either phone or submit a complaint against anything or anybody. (…) And, they will review those, and they will do an investigation. They don’t investigate individuals. They investigate entities.”

Wiggins said moving forward, he has an agenda for the town’s business that is similar to when he served as mayor.