She's a former government official who became well known for pouring more than a million dollars of agency money into a house she called "Living the Dream."
Still, a judge says that notoriety isn't enough to move Wendy Askins' upcoming state trial out of Cookeville.
The case stems from an exclusive NewsChannel 5 investigation.
Askins is the former head of the Upper Cumberland Development District.
She faces state charges of theft, money laundering and forgery relating to that million-dollar house.
What was supposed to become a home for needy seniors also became Askins' home.
Her attorney argued that, because of what he called "sensationalism" in media reports, the trial should be moved to another part of the state.
But the judge ruled that, because it's been at least three years, there's no evidence that Askins cannot get a fair trial in Putnam County.
That trial is set for April 12th.
Meanwhile, Askins is scheduled to go on trial on federal charges next month.
But prosecutors have just filed a new indictment that tweaks the charges against her -- which is expected to delay the federal trial once again.
