New Talladega County Administrator defendant in federal lawsuit

Pat Lyle

Recently hired Talladega County Administrator Pat Lyle is named as a defendant in a federal lawsuit alleging financial improprieties in the estate of her late mother, accusations that Lyle has characterized as “false”.

Lyle also confirmed she did not disclose the suit to Talladega County commissioners during the interview process.

 Lyle, who officially began her duties as county administrator Jan. 7, said she would inform the commissioners of the legal matter.

The suit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama Southern Division by Lyle's stepbrother Allen Hammack, an heir and personal representative of the estate of Carol Hammack, seeks compensatory and punitive damages against Lyle, named in the suit as Patricia Crook Westbrook, for the alleged "actions of breach of fiduciary duty, conversion and unjust enrichment and receipt of mistaken payments of assets of The Estate."

A separate hearing was held in Jefferson County Probate Court before Judge Sherri Friday Thursday afternoon, and according to Lyle’s attorney Frank Russo, a written decision is pending.

Russo indicated his belief that if Friday rules in favor of his client, the decision would resolve the legal proceedings at both the county and federal levels, though Hammack could appeal the decision.

Prior to taking the job as county administrator, Lyle served as city manager for the cities of Villa Rica and Adairsville, both in Georgia. Lyle also served as first county administrator for Paulding County, Georgia, from 2001 to 2008.