Stacey Barchenger

USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

A Nashville jurist is seeking a financial audit of fellow Judge Casey Moreland's drug court program, an action he says is a good business practice as the program changes hands.

"It is always good business practice when you take over something to start anew, and to have in order all of the finances when you move forward," General Sessions Judge Gale Robinson said. "I'm not saying anything’s wrong, by any means."

Robinson took over as presiding judge and assumed oversight of Moreland's treatment court programs in recent weeks as Moreland has faced allegations his personal relationships swayed conduct in his courtroom.

Moreland, a judge since 1998, began the drug court program in 2003. The program aims to help offenders by getting them substance abuse treatment and other services.

Robinson said Metro's auditors would conduct the review. He noted that drug court has another component - Davidson County Drug Court Foundation - which was outside the purview of Metro government. The foundation's board president, lawyer David King, confirmed that it was being audited by the state.

"As a recipient of grants that come to us from the federal government through the state, we’re subject to inquiry and routine audits of those dollars and how they’re spent," he said.

Bryan Lewis, a Nashville lawyer and Moreland's friend who has also been involved in some of the pending allegations, was integral to the launch of the foundation, which provides financial support to the drug court and human trafficking intervention court programs. Lewis had served as its president until earlier this year.

The allegations against Moreland stem from a May 2016 trip he took with Lewis and others. A police report written after the suicide of one of the trip guests, Leigh Terry, included allegations she slept with the judge. Lewis was her lawyer and paid for her downtown apartment.

Other situations that draw concern have also come to light, including that Moreland waived jail time for his future son-in-law and intervened in a traffic stop for another woman who went on the beach trip.

The judge's conduct is being examined by the state judicial oversight board, and federal investigators are also asking questions.

READ MORE:

FBI looks into allegations against Judge Casey Moreland

What we know: Allegations against Judge Casey Moreland

Nashville lawyer Bryan Lewis to admit misconduct involving judge

Documents: Casey Moreland ordered woman's probation

Reach Stacey Barchenger at 615-726-8968 or sbarchenger@tennessean.com or on Twitter @sbarchenger.