Elder abuse investigation includes candidates business

During Thursday's execution of search warrants for elder abuse, officers from several local and state agencies searched the administrative offices of Senior Lifestyles in Cookeville.

These offices are housed within AE Fire Protection. A representative from the Putnam County Clerk's office confirmed Ed Butler is the owner of the business. According to the Tennessee Secretary of State's website, Butler is running for Tennessee state House of Representatives District 41 as a Republican challenger. Butler unsuccessfully ran for that office in 2016.

Butler was on the scene Thursday morning as officers served their search warrant for the office space and appeared to be involved in a verbal altercation with officers. Bryant was heard asking officers, "How am I going to make my payroll?"

District Attorney Bryant Dunaway told the Herald-Citizen that due to the investigation still being open, he could not comment on any matters related to the search.

In a press release from the district attorney's office, Dunaway notes that the investigation has been ongoing for some time after claims of financial exploitation and elder abuse.