Lawrence County Man Indicted After Theft from Two Different Entities
The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has released two separate investigations related to the actions of Bradley Lee, who is now facing indictment in Lawrence County.
The first investigation surrounds Lee’s tenure as the former general manager of the Leoma Utility District, which provides water service to 1,400 Lawrence County customers. Investigators determined that Lee misappropriated district funds totaling at least $7,944.08 from December 2020 through December 2022.
Lee made personal purchases from Amazon; made personal purchases of automobile-related items; and obtained the district’s petty cash for his personal use and benefit. Investigators also found that Lee fabricated invoices and provided fictious justifications for his purchases in an attempt to conceal his theft.
The second investigation found that Bradley Lee misappropriated at least $1,134.56 while serving with the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department (CPVFD). Lee used a CPVFD fuel card to purchase $886.55 in fuel for his personal vehicle, and he avoided paying $248.01 in taxes on these fuel purchases. In April and May of 2023, Lee repaid the CPVFD for his personal purchases.
Based upon these investigations, in January 2024, the Lawrence County Grand Jury indicted Bradley Lee on one count of theft over $1,000, one count of theft of property over $2,500, one count of computer crimes, three counts of criminal simulation, and one count of official misconduct.
“Both the volunteer fire department and utility district attempted to work out an arrangement with Lee instead of notifying the Comptroller’s Office that suspected unlawful conduct had occurred,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “Additionally, these investigations show the importance of reviewing and maintaining documentation for all purchases.”
To view the investigative reports, go to tncot.cc/doireports. To view a map depicting Comptroller investigations, go to tncot.cc/mappinginvestigations
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 X/Twitter @TNCOT and Instagram @tncot
Media contact: John Dunn, Director of Communications, 615.401.7755 or john.dunn@cot.tn.gov
Related Links:
- Leoma Utility District Investigation and Associated Exhibit
- Center Point VFD Investigation and Associated Exhibit
- PDF of Press Release