Story Published:
Nov 11, 2008 at 5:47 PM CST
Story Updated:
Nov 12, 2008 at 12:24 AM CST
Note: Video story is in two parts
In a mix of astonishment, anger, and hurt feelings, Putnam County Assessor of Property, Rhonda Chaffin, has weathered a number of rumors in the past week.
A plethora of fictional stories emerged, according to Chaffin, including one that alleged that she was under investigation by the TBI.
Another tale had that her children had been taken away and hidden by the government.
And yet another rumor was that she had been arrested and incarcerated for a period of three days.
Ms. Chaffin says that none of these things are true and that she is deeply distressed by these false allegations and the effects they had on her family. Mrs. Chaffin addresses each of the rumors directly for UCDailyNews.com in the video.
One rumor was started around an event on Wednesday-- after polling day, when all Putnam County offices were closed for the election.
On Wednesday, some of the work program detainees from the Putnam County Justice Center were assisting the Putnam County Trustees to move some ancient books of Putnam County records to the new Putnam County Historical Society Building.
This activity was transformed by rumor, apparently, into the TBI removing records to use against Ms. Chaffin in trial.
Ms. Chaffin also asserts that all of her records are on-line and thus available 24/7 to anybody who wants to look at them.
Over the years, Ms. Chaffin has had several people question the quality and accuracy of the tax appraisals.
She understands that this is simply human nature and her office works diligently to keep the records accurate and up to date, and explains that their records are constantly in a process of audit by the State of Tennessee.
Ms. Chaffin describes that this character attack was a temporary show-stopper for her family and loved ones by causing them distress.
Chaffin received a phone call telling her of one rumor which alleged that her children had been taken away from her.
Ms. Chaffin revealed that the week before, her pastor preached on how deadly and destructive the tongue could be.
She says that she has always taught her children not to start or continue a rumor but rather to go to the source.
Ms. Chaffin says that enough damage has been done and that she is not going to press any charges for defamation of character.
She says her family, friends and staff have been supportive.
And after all is said and done, Rhonda Chaffin is still standing as the elected Property Assessor of Putnam County, Tennessee.
