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Former Rhea County Executive Gets 33-Month Federal Prison Sentence For Misuse Of COVID Small Business Loans

From the Chattanoogan… George Thacker, the former county executive of Rhea County, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for misuse

From the Chattanoogan…

George Thacker, the former county executive of Rhea County, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for misuse of federal COVID small business Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) loans.

Thacker was also ordered by Judge Charles Atchley to repay the government $665,000 and pay a $15,000 fine.

Attorney Lee Davis had asked for home confinement for Thacker, saying he was needed to help run Spring City’s only motel with its 14 employees. He also cited his harsh childhood in several foster homes and his “unsophistication.”

Prosecutor Kyle Wilson said, “It was not his childhood that led him to do this, it was greed that made him take the money.”

Prosecutor Wilson acknowledged that Thacker had risen beyond what might have been expected – serving 10 years as county executive and playing the harmonica on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. He also had a successful oil change business and made a go of the hotel. It is still operating, though Howard Johnson pulled its franchise.  

Authorities said Thacker used the government money to pay credit card bills and to buy bit coin. Attorney Davis said he wound up losing most of the money. Attorney Davis said Thacker always intended to pay it back.

Thacker earlier pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He stepped down from his Rhea County post the same day he pleaded guilty.