KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – The former director of Knox County’s juvenile detention center has settled a lawsuit against Knox County that alleged age discrimination and constructive discharge.
Court records obtained by WVLT News show that Richard Bean and Knox County recently reached a settlement agreement, bringing an end to litigation that began in April 2026. The Oct. 14 court filing confirms the case has been resolved, although the terms of the settlement, including any financial payment, were not disclosed.
The lawsuit named former Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin as defendants.
Dispute Centered on Employee Terminations
According to the complaint, the dispute stemmed from events in May 2025 involving a nurse assigned to the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center.
Bean alleged he met with Judge Irwin regarding disciplinary action against the nurse and planned to offer the employee the choice of resigning or being terminated. The lawsuit claimed Irwin initially did not object to the decision.
However, after the nurse was fired, Bean said county officials reversed course. He alleged he was summoned to a meeting with Jacobs, county legal officials, and a personnel representative, where he was presented with documents reinstating the nurse and another employee.
Bean claimed county officials told him the reinstatements were necessary because the employees could potentially pursue whistleblower claims against the county. He maintained the terminations were justified and the employees had no valid legal claims.
Claims of Constructive Discharge
The lawsuit also alleged that comments made by county leaders contributed to negative publicity surrounding Bean and the detention center.
Bean argued that public statements suggesting former Mayor Jacobs had lost confidence in his leadership, along with criticism of conditions at the juvenile facility, damaged his reputation and created a hostile work environment.
According to the complaint, Bean resigned on May 30, 2025, with his resignation taking effect Aug. 1, 2025. He argued the circumstances amounted to constructive discharge, meaning a reasonable person would have felt compelled to resign.
Age Discrimination Allegations
Bean also raised an age discrimination claim under the Tennessee Human Rights Act.
The lawsuit stated Bean was 85 years old when he left the position and alleged he was replaced by a substantially younger individual. His successor, Brian Bivens, later resigned from the position in November 2025.
Part of Larger Detention Center Changes
The settlement marks the latest development in years of scrutiny surrounding the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center.
Following concerns about operations and management at the facility, Knox County implemented significant changes to oversight of the center. The detention facility is now overseen by a board of executives responsible for guiding its overall operations and administration.
With the settlement finalized, the lawsuit has been resolved without further court proceedings.
