MILLINGTON, TN - The TBI raid at Millington City Hall and the mayor's house includes an investigation into illegal gambling. That's just one of the new pieces of information coming out of the stunned Shelby County suburb right now.
TBI investigators and the Shelby County District Attorney’s office executed multiple search warrants Wednesday, July 27, 2011. For four hours, investigators boxed up items from city hall and the Mayor’s home. Residents say they’re in shock over the commotion in their small town.
Ann and Tom Goin have lived in Millington their entire lives. They know the Hodges and their family. They are still trying to cope with the news that Rita Hodges, the wife of Mayor Richard Hodges, was found dead the day before the raid. Police believe her death was a suicide.
Shelby County Commissioner Terry Roland won’t comment on the official investigation, but says it’s been a heartbreaking day for residents. “They’re taking it pretty bad.” He quickly defends the town, “First let me say this, I can tell you who’s not involved in this is me and 99 percent of the town. You’re talking about maybe four or five people involved in this. I’m asking the county to pray for us.”
Roland won’t say what evidence was taken out or even what agents were looking for, but he did say he heard rumors that gambling could be involved.
With few answers, the town continues to talk and wonder what was going on behind closed doors. Tom Goin says, “I hope it’s a bunch of garbage but we’ll just have to wait and see.”
