Former Volunteer Fire Department Treasurer Indicted for Theft
Mt. Gilead VFD is in White County
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Brittany Webb, the former treasurer of the Mt. Gilead Volunteer Fire Department in Sparta, Tennessee.
Investigators determined that Webb misappropriated a total of $73,581 from the both the fire department ($45,983) and the White County Firefighters Association ($27,598), which is a nonprofit organization that provides support to the volunteer fire departments in White County.
Webb stole a total of $45,983 from the Mt. Gilead VFD by withdrawing cash, making ATM withdrawals, and by writing four checks to herself from the fire department’s bank account. This occurred while she was serving as the VFD’s treasurer from approximately June 30, 2020 until she was removed from the position in October 2022.
Additionally, Webb misappropriated $27,598 from the White County Firefighters Association by improperly obtaining access to the association’s bank account. Webb’s former husband was the association’s treasurer from April 2019 until October 2022, and Webb was able to access the account without her former husband’s knowledge.
Comptroller investigators also noted that Brittany Webb signed other individuals’ names on at least 10 different checks without their knowledge or authorization to help perpetrate her misappropriation.
On June 30, 2022, Webb reimbursed a portion of the misappropriated funds by transferring $20,000 into the fire department’s account and $17,345 into the association’s account.
Based upon this investigation, in January 2024, the White County Grand Jury indicted Brittany Webb on one count of theft over $60,000 and nine counts of forgery.
“The fire department’s board should take steps to improve its financial practices,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “These steps must include providing more oversight, requiring supporting documentation for expenditures, and accounting for all fundraising activities.”
To view the investigative report, 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
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