Questions Surround Clifton Leadership Changes Following Festival

Questions are being raised in Clifton following reports that City Manager Kristeen Duren and Main Street Director Shawnee Iacono are allegedly no longer serving in their respective positions.

The circumstances surrounding the reported changes have not been officially confirmed by the City of Clifton, and no official statement regarding the matter has been released.

Both Duren and Iacono are currently listed on the City of Clifton's website in their respective positions.

According to information provided to the Wayne County News by sources familiar with the situation, the reported leadership changes may be connected to an alleged incident involving an individual who is reportedly listed on the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry.

Sources allege that the individual had a connection to the Main Street Director and participated as a volunteer at the recent Horseshoe Riverbend Festival.

According to the unconfirmed information provided to the newspaper, the city manager was made aware of concerns involving the individual and asked the Clifton Police Department to determine whether the person could legally participate as a festival worker. Officials close to the situation reportedly believe the Police Department appropriately handled its role in responding to that request.

It is further alleged that as the individual was performing his duties as part of the festival staff, the individual was left alone for a brief period of time in an area where female students from Frank Hughes School were present.

According to information provided to the newspaper, the situation was subsequently brought to the attention of school officials. Wayne County Director of Schools, Dr. Ricky Inman, confirmed that on the advice of an attorney, a complaint was filed on behalf of Frank Hughes High School regarding the alleged incident that took place at the Horseshoe Riverbend Festival involving the sex offender being left alone with underage female students.

Sources allege that school officials called for the removal of the Main Street director and that Iacono subsequently resigned.

The newspaper has also received information alleging that the city manager's position may have been affected by the incident.

Those circumstances, however, have not been independently confirmed.

The Wayne County News has not independently verified the allegations concerning the festival, the individual's restrictions, or the circumstances surrounding the reported changes in city leadership.

No official statement confirming the reported resignations or explaining the circumstances has been obtained at this time.

The newspaper is seeking additional information and documentation from the City of Clifton, Clifton Police Department, school officials, and other parties familiar with the situation.

It should be noted that the regular meeting of the Clifton City Commission was scheduled for Monday night, September 28th, at 6:00 p.m. Only two city commissioners, Mayor Mark Staggs and Vice Mayor Tammy Prince, were present for the meeting at 6:00 p.m. at Clifton City Hall. At approximately 6:15 p.m., after multiple failed attempts by the mayor and other city officials to get in touch with the three commissioners who weren’t there, Mayor Staggs declared that there was no quorum and the meeting would not take place.

The Wayne County News will provide updates on the situation in Clifton if and when additional information can be independently verified.