Bennett was arrested earlier this year after a Rutherford County Grand Jury handed over a lengthy indictment that included one count of Theft over $10,000, Fraudulent use of a Credit Card Over $10,000, two counts of official misconduct, one count of Tax Evasion, and four counts of Forgery; concluding a 7-month investigation led by the State of Tennessee Comptroller’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Bennett pled "no contest", in what appeared to be a plea agreement with the prosecuting attorney for the State of Tennessee Comptroller’s Office. By agreeing to plead "no contest", or "nolo contendere", Bennett will not admit guilt in the allegations against her, but will avoid trial by not contesting them in court. The "no contest" plea does, however, get accepted by the court as a guilty plea on Count 1-Theft over $10,000, a Class C Felony, and Count 3,-Official Misconduct, a Class E Felony, while all other counts were dismissed.

"Generically speaking; only 2 out of 10 cases will ever make it to trial. It is a lot easier to cut a deal, which serves as a cross-benefit to both parties", explained Dennis Dycus, Director of Municipal Audit for the State of Tennessee’s Comptroller’s Office. Chadwick Jackson, a member of Mr. Dycus’ staff, served as the prosecuting attorney for the case, at the request of the local District Attorney’s Office here in Rutherford County. Had the case against Bennett made it to trial, this would prevent a potential conflict of interest surrounding the City of Eagleville’s previous employment of Travis Lampley, who also works for the local District Attorney’s Office.

Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 40-35-111) describes a Class C Felony as "Not less than three (3) years nor more than fifteen (15) years in prison. In addition, the jury may assess a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000), unless otherwise provided by statute" and Class E Felony, "Not less than one (1) year nor more than six (6) years in prison. In addition, the jury may assess a fine not to exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000), unless otherwise provided by statute"

However, a Rutherford County Circuit Court clerk says that Bennett plans to file for diversion in the case. Bennett’s next court appearance will be a sentencing on February 27th, 2009. If diversion is granted, this could allow Bennett the opportunity to pay restitution or perform community service in order to avoid a prison sentence.