TOP PHOTO: Then Mayor Mike Stanfield is shown in a photo from October.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – On Friday, a petition for ouster was filed through Circuit Court for La Follette Mayor Mike Stanfield to vacate his office.

In Sept. 2020, Stanfield was indicted on seven counts of official misconduct, one count of retaliation for reporting to the comptroller and one count of misrepresenting information to a state auditor.

The ouster petition said “that, upon hearing the evidence and applying the law to the facts of this case, the Court grant the State’s Petition and enter a judgement of ouster against Stanfield with a declaration that Stanfield leave office, and the office of mayor be filled according to the city charter.” See the full petition HERE.

According to the city charter, the City of La Follette vice-mayor will become mayor until the next election. That means that Phillip Farmer, a newly elected city council member who is less than a year into his term, would become mayor until next fall. At that time, the mayor’s seat would be placed on the ballot, two years ahead of schedule. If Farmer becomes mayor, then his council seat would be open, allowing the city council to appoint someone to fill it until the next election, according to Reid Troutman, La Follette city attorney. Once a new mayor is sworn in, Farmer would revert to his original position and term, Troutman said.

However, Farmer could also choose to run for mayor.

Stanfield’s alleged misdeeds date back to 2015, according to the indictment. Stanfield is accused of using his elected office for personal benefit, coercing city employees to lie, operating outside his authorized powers and retaliating against employees for reporting his crimes. Related story.

Stanfield is also accused of using city property for personal purposes and having a city employee perform work that benefitted Stanfield, the indictment said. Along with this, the mayor is further accused of directing a city employee to provide false statements to auditors.

Earlier this year, The State of Tennessee Comptroller’s Office issued its findings of the situation after conducting an investigation into Stanfield’s alleged conduct. Its conclusion was Stanfield had in fact used city equipment and personnel resources in connection to his privately owned lawn mower repair business.

Stanfield served as LaFollette Mayor from 2008 until Nov. 19, 2021. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 11/22/2021-9:30AM)

11 Replies to “Stanfield out as mayor of La Follette”

  1. Mike should look back with honor on all he has done for our City. I will always be proud to call him Mayor.

  2. I think it’s time I said something Mike is my brother as most of you already know, you as well as myself know Mike would never do anything criminal the way this law suit states. Mike has always been a loving caring person and it showed during his term as Mayor of his beloved city of Lafollette. Unlike me he loved and trusted everyone even got most elected to their seats on council . Those people turned against him and several didn’t get re-elected wonder why !!! You know how the old saying goes keep your friends close but your enemies closer I wish he had done this . He might forget and forgive but I won’t . I love you brother hold your head high because the people of Lafollette love you too it’s been proven by putting their trust in you by electing you to be their Mayor

    2. Yes, Beverly. I agree with you 100%.
      I know Mike to be an honest man and a diligent worker. Each time we called him, he always answered and was willing to help.. I am glad you spoke highly about Mike..

    3. I agree Beverly and I hate this for Mike. As you know they all do what they want in the game and name of politics.

  3. Mike is a good man. The people would elect him again if given the chance. Hope he can get some much
    deserved rest now that he doesn’t have to deal with that snake pit.

  5. Mike has always been good to me and my family. He’s never failed to answer our calls when we needed him. I really hate this for him.

  6. Called him last year on Christmas because of no water and no response from LUB… he dressed, if you remember the horrible weather, left his home and family to go find the problem. Didn’t call back, he came to the house to explain the issue. Returned multiple times over next 6 weeks to visit and pray with/for the dying home owner. Ironic, that even after charges and indictment, the city of Lafolette voted him to continue as their mayor. That says volumes about the man. So much for government of and by the people!

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