Conservative Republican Jason Emert, who is running for Congress in Tennessee’s Second Congressional District, released the following statement in reaction to the news that Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett is under investigation by the FBI:

“the news that Mayor Burchett is under investigation by the FBI is deeply disturbing,” said Emert. “Unfortunately, there has been a pattern of questionable activity throughout Mayor Burchett’s long career in politics.”

“Furthermore, if the FBI investigation involves the personal actions of Mayor Burchett, Knox County taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook for his defense. Mayor Burchett should promise to foot the bill for any investigation into his actions with his personal funds,” added Emert.