Missing state legislator found in casino

By JESSICA FENDER Staff Writer - THE TENNESSEAN

State Rep. Rob Briley was found Wednesday afternoon, apparently "rational and competent," at a Tunica, Miss., casino after his brother earlier filed a missing-person report on him, Metro police reported.

The Nashville Democrat rented a red Ford Mustang earlier this week and left the rehab facility he checked into after his Sept. 8 arrest in Wilson County on drunken driving and other charges.

Because Briley voluntarily checked himself into the Cumberland Heights treatment center, Tunica County authorities did not take him into custody when they found him.

"He gave lucid, rational answer to questions," Metro Police spokesman Don Aaron said.

"They relayed that his family and friends in Nashville are worried about him."

The missing-person report said Briley was upset over a recently published account of his personal struggles with addiction and divorce and may blame his brother, former Nashville mayoral candidate David Briley, for the story.

Video widely circulated

Rob Briley "made overtones he was suicidal" on the phone with his brother and "referenced he might get some money from previous lawsuits, and his wife would get the money," the report continues.

His arrest in Wilson County resulted in a widely circulated video showing him ranting, swearing and suggesting the arresting officers shoot him.

The political fallout from the incident cost him his chairmanship and left some calling for his resignation.

Rob Briley did not answer his cell phone Thursday. Neither David Briley nor Mary Littleton, trial lawyer lobbyist and Briley's former legal counsel, returned phone calls.