Former Tarpley Shop Utility District General Manager Indicted for Theft
Utility was located in Pulaski, Tennessee
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Freddie Byrd, the former general manager of the Tarpley Shop Utility District (TSUD) in Pulaski. TSUD provided water service to approximately 1,200 customers prior to its merger with South Giles Utility District earlier this year.
Investigators determined that Byrd made personal purchases with district funds totaling $7,939.55 between 2017 and 2023. The majority of these purchases included battery-operated tools; small equipment and repairs; and vehicle parts that did not fit district-owned vehicles.
Byrd made other questionable purchases with district funds totaling $9,849.64 from a variety of vendors. Investigators were unable to confirm if the all the purchases were used exclusively for official district purposes.
The investigation also revealed that $25,035.79 in questionable fuel purchases were made with TSUD funds. Due to a lack of documentation, investigators were not able to determine if all the fuel purchases were used exclusively for district purposes.
Based upon this investigation, on July 10, 2024, the Giles County Grand Jury indicted Freddie Byrd on one count of theft over $2,500 but less than $10,000, and two counts of official misconduct.
“Our investigators found a number of weaknesses and deficiencies within the financial operations of the TSUD,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “Although, this utility has merged with another, it’s important for all utilities to have strong policies, internal controls, and board oversight to ensure operations are conducted properly and responsibly.”
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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