Tenn. Code Ann. § 5-1-125: County officials or employees prohibited from purchasing surplus property except at public auction - Penalty

(a) It is hereby declared unlawful for any county official or employee to purchase from the county any property declared to be surplus by the county except by bid at public auction or competitive sealed bid during the tenure of such person's office or employment, or for six (6) months thereafter.

(b) A purchaser who violates this section commits a Class A misdemeanor.