Julie Odom, the former director of the 13th Judicial District Recovery Courts in Tennessee, finds herself on the wrong side of the law she once pledged to enforce. An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office revealed Odom improperly authorized rent assistance totaling at least $8,600 to a recovery program participant who was also her roommate, according to an official report.
This breach of policy stems from a series of payments, including $7,675 paid directly to the participant and an additional $925 to a landlord. These payments were made in clear violation of program policy, which stipulates that rent assistance is reserved exclusively for residents of licensed sober living homes meeting rigorous criteria. The discovery was made after an observant board member reported expenditures that appeared to be questionable.
The Comptroller's report goes on to detail Odom’s deception. She's accused of submitting a falsified invoice, receipt, and rental agreement to the Putnam County Mayor’s Office to legitimize the payments. In an attempt to cover her tracks, Odom altered a rental agreement by replacing her own name with that of the participant’s to enable that the participant could receive assistance and reimbursement.
Odom faced the consequences and resigned her position on October 28, 2024. The investigation ultimately led to her indictment on multiple charges, including three counts of official misconduct and one count of theft over $2,500. The indictment, handed down by the Putnam County Grand Jury in January 2026, additionally includes charges of criminal simulation and two counts of forgery. Further details on the investigation and the indictment can be found on the Comptroller's official website.
With public trust in the balance, the Comptroller’s office continues to urge those who suspect any form of public financial malfeasance to report these incidents. Citizens can call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline or submit a report online. More information on how to report such suspicions is available through their official channels. Media contact John Dunn also remains available for further inquiries.
