Former Circuit Court Clerk Employee Wants Trial in Theft Case Moved to Another County

A former bookkeeper at the DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, charged with theft of property over $1,000, wants her trial moved to another county, possibly Cookeville.
Adam W. Parrish, the Lebanon attorney representing 36 year old Tonya D. Page has filed a motion seeking a change of venue in the case. This and other motions in the case are expected to be heard by the court during a hearing on Friday, May 21st in DeKalb County Criminal Court.
Page was charged in a grand jury sealed indictment in August, 2009.
The charge stems from a TBI investigation into a cash shortage of $8,501 in General Sessions Court funds, which was discovered during an annual state audit.
The change of venue motion states that Tonya D. Page moves the court for a change of venue due to undue excitement against her in this county, which is of such a nature that a fair trial could not be had. In support thereof, Defendant (Page) would respectfully show as follows:
That the population of DeKalb County is approximately 17,423 and the population of the City of Smithville is even less, 4,389.
This geographically, is a relatively small and tight knit community.
That this case has received significant media exposure, and that commencing with the date of the alleged crime and continuing thereafter, the local papers and WJLE have carried stories purporting to recite facts pertaining to the various alleged facts in the indictment which extends into the homes of many prospective jurors.
Finally, that one of the state’s chief witnesses, and arguably the victim, Katherine Pack, is a highly public and well loved individual in the community.
The defendant (Page) moves that this cause be transferred to Cookeville or any other neighboring county which the court may deem proper, where a fair and impartial trial of the defendant may be had.
The case against Page was scheduled for trial April 13th & 14th in DeKalb County Criminal Court but Page’s attorney, Parrish, filed a motion for a continuance on April 5th, which was granted by the court.
Page was initially hired as a clerk in the office four years ago and then as bookkeeper. She was later terminated from her employment there, after this incident arose.
The case against Page was presented to the Grand Jury by the TBI.