The Farragut Press says they are not to blame for a political robocall coming from their phone number.
The Farragut Press was alerted to the calls Tuesday night, according to publisher Tony Cox.
“East Tennessee voter, are you aware the FBI is currently asking questions about career politician Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, regarding potential bribery cases, tax evasion and more?” a female voice says on a recording passed on to 10News by Burchett's office. “The Department of Justice is reportedly sending out letters as we speak. He’s trying to blame it on his ex-wife and says its fake, but did you know that he was already fined and found guilty before he was even married? Don’t let another career politician fool you.”
Cox posted to the publication's Facebook page Tuesday denying the call originated with the press.
“The phone number is being spoofed,” he wrote. “If a message has been left for you and you still have the recording, we’d love to have a copy of it.”
In an email Wednesday, he said the phone number is one not usually published.
Cox said he has filed a report with the Knox County Sheriff's Office. A KCSO spokesperson confirmed Wednesday afternoon they have opened an investigation into the calls.
"I have spoken to directly to Mayor Burchett to assure him that the calls did not originate from our office," Cox said.
Burchett is currently running as a Republican in the primary for the U.S. House in Tennessee's 2nd congressional district. Burchett has served as Knox County Mayor since 2010 and previously served in the state legislature from 1995 to 2010.
Burchett spoke out on social media against the calls.
“It’s a felony and I hope those responsible are held accountable,” Burchett tweeted.
“I will be talking to the proper authorities and calling on my opponents to disavow and deny knowledge of it,” he added in a tweet.
As for the claims of the call: in 2012, Burchett was investigating for misuse of campaign funds. A state board dropped the investigation, and Burchett blamed it on ex-wife Allison Beaver.
He was also fined for for a contribution reporting issue while in the state legislature.
Allison Beaver told 10News: "I am in no way associated with the robocalls. However, I am glad the truth is finally coming to light. Once again, I cannot comment on an ongoing FBI investigation."
Mayor Burchett told 10News he has spoken to the Knox County District Attorney's Office, and he hopes they will pursue an investigation into the calls.
“I would say our opposition is desperate to do a bush league trick this early in the campaign, and trust your first instinct, this is all false news," Burchett said. "And it’s illegal, and it’s dirty, but that’s politics and that’s why people like myself have to get to Washington because I don’t put up with these shenanigans.”
Burchett has repeatedly denied he has been the target of questions by the FBI. The FBI has a long-standing policy that it does not confirm or deny the existence of any investigations.
"The FBI stuff is just totally ridiculous," he said.
According the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) website, spoofing falls under the Truth in Caller ID Act.
“FCC rules prohibit any person or entity from transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongly obtain anything of value,” the website reads. “If no harm is intended or caused, spoofing is not illegal.”
Illegal spoofing can carry a penalty of $10,000 per violation.
The FCC provides a link to report spoofing on its website.