Each depositor insured to at least $250,000 per insured bank

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has issued a removal and prohibition order against Robert L. Courtney, Jr., a former branch manager of Citizens Bank & Trust Company of Grainger County, Rutledge, Tennessee.

Courtney consented to the order without admitting or denying culpability. The FDIC's action is based on allegations that during 2000, Courtney engaged in loan "kick-back" fee schemes at Citizens Bank & Trust.

Courtney is prohibited from further participation in the banking industry without FDIC approval.

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Congress created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1933 to restore public confidence in the nation's banking system. The FDIC insures deposits at the nation's 9,314 banks and savings associations and it promotes the safety and soundness of these institutions by identifying, monitoring and addressing risks to which they are exposed. The FDIC receives no federal tax dollars - insured financial institutions fund its operations.

FDIC press releases and other information are available on the Internet at www.fdic.gov or through the FDIC's Public Information Center (877-275-3342 or (703) 562-2200).