Inside sources offer conflicting accounts of TMU's handling of Reynolds allegations - Now Georgia

New insider accounts sharpen the focus on TMU's handling of allegations against former Vice President Bradley Reynolds, underscoring a dispute over whether leaders ignored warnings or colleagues did not trigger investigations. Reynolds, indicted in December on three counts of making false statements to law enforcement, has moved to have the charges dismissed as not constituting a crime under Georgia law. The case centers on a March 1, 2024 interview in which Reynolds denied an inappropriate relationship with Hayle Swinson, a former student and employee, while investigators later found emails from a personal account.

Two TMU insiders with firsthand knowledge dispute what former President Emir Caner knew and how he responded, suggesting differing recollections about leadership's handling. Chris Eppling, a former TMU vice president who oversaw student services, says concerns about Reynolds' relationship with Swinson surfaced as early as 2015 and that he confronted Reynolds more than once. Eppling described the initial discussion as cordial, while a second confrontation did not go well, and White County District Attorney Jeff Langley declined to discuss the merits of Reynolds' demurrer, noting that cases are argued in court, not in the media.