Former Shelby County Schools Band Director Stole Student Fee Money
Jimmie Wilson worked at Melrose High School
For the second time in two years, the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has released a theft investigation involving Jimmie Wilson. Wilson, who was previously indicted for his actions at Fayette-Ware High School, is now facing indictment in Shelby County.
Jimmie Wilson had worked as the band director and cheer coach at Fayette-Ware High School in Fayette County. In November 2018, he was indicted on charges of theft, official misconduct, and tampering with government records. At the time of the indictment, Wilson had left his job at Fayette-Ware and become the band director at Melrose High School in Shelby County.
After the indictment in Fayette County was announced and publicized by local media, Shelby County placed Wilson on administrative leave on December 4, 2018; however, Wilson resigned effective immediately on December 6, 2018.
Comptroller investigators have now determined that Wilson stole fees that he collected from Melrose High School band students between September and October 2018. Wilson collected $1,175 from eight students and did not turn the money over to the school. The principal told investigators that band directors were not authorized to collect fees from students.
Additionally, Wilson failed to get approval from the director of schools, as required by state law, before ordering 30 cases of candy bars for a fundraiser.
In July 2020, the Shelby County Grand Jury indicted Jimmie Wilson on one count of theft over $1,000, and one count of official misconduct.
To view the investigative report, go to: https://comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/investigations/find.html
If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of public money in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at 800.232.5454, or file a report online at: tncot.cc/fraud. Follow us on twitter: @TNCOT
Media contact: John Dunn, Director of Communications, 615.401.7755 or john.dunn@cot.tn.gov
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