MARION -- After a long two days during which he received numerous phone calls from voters across the county, Williamson County Republican Party Chairman Jeff Diederich posted a letter to the party's Facebook page calling for the immediate resignation of Circuit Clerk Austin Crabb.
Less than 12 hours after the letter was posted, Crabb sent a letter of resignation to Diederich as well as to Williamson County commissioners.
Crabb, who took office on Dec. 1, 2020, after defeating Democrat incumbent Andrew Wilson in the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election, was issued four traffic citations including a DUI following a traffic stop by Marion Police Department on Jan. 21.
During that stop, Crabb told the arresting officer she had been drinking in the courthouse. According to the police report, Crabb stated, "I was drinking at the courthouse ... in my office actually ... I'm an elected official. I have alcohol in my courthouse."
The report also stated that Crabb told the officer, "Never in my God**mn life. You all are pathetic."
After obtaining copies of the police report and video and audio recording through the Freedom of Information Act, Diederich met with party officials, eventually releasing a statement calling for Crabb's resignation.
In that letter, Diederich noted that while "Crabb is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, her admission that she is consuming alcoholic beverages while working at the Williamson County Courthouse is unacceptable. The position of Circuit Clerk is an entrusted position which works in concert with the judiciary, attorneys, and members of the public. Handling sensitive court documents while consuming alcoholic beverages is a breach of the public's trust and a violation of Williamson County's policy on alcohol."
He also noted that while the party supports its elected officials, "we have a duty to first uphold the ideology, principles, beliefs, and values of the Republican Party. One of these principles is our unwavering support of the law enforcement community."
In the final words of the letter, Diederich wrote, "The Williamson County Republican Party stands firm in holding candidates and elected officials, of Republican Party Affiliation, accountable in maintaining the highest standards and serving as an example within our communities."
Crabb took responsibility for her actions in her letter, which she addressed to the citizens of Williamson County.
"Last week I made the biggest mistake of my life," she wrote. "My behavior was inexcusable, and I sincerely apologize to the citizens of Williamson County and Marion Police Department for my actions."
Crabb said she was proud of her work during her short term and believes she is "leaving the office in a better position than when my term started."
Crabb said she felt that continuing to serve in her elected position would be a distraction to the office and the courthouse as a whole.
"This is a difficult situation that involves a lot of people," said Diederich. "The services of the Circuit Clerk include involvement with the judiciary, attorneys, and the public.
"These services are important to the people of Williamson County and I commend Austin Crabb for taking the appropriate steps toward repairing these unfortunate circumstances. I wish her and her family the best in the future."
County board Chairman Jim Marlo also weighed in on Crabb's resignation.
"It's very unfortunate," he said. "I think she did make a mistake. I know a lot of us make mistakes, but as elected officials, we are held to a higher standard. The public puts its trust in us."
Commissioner Brent Gentry said he spoke to Crabb on Saturday morning.
"I've always stressed that elected officials should lead by example," he said. "I think she realizes she made a serious mistake and the best thing she could do for the sake of the people of Williamson County is to step down."
The county board will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday to officially accept Crabb's resignation and appoint a new circuit clerk. That appointment will come on the recommendation of Diederich, who said candidates are currently being vetted.
According to Marlo, Rachel Moake will assume the duties of the circuit clerk until a replacement is officially named.
Moake is a current employee in the office.
