Former Mental Health Counselor Indicted After Double-Dipping Scheme
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Broderick Webster in Shelby County.
Webster worked as a mental health counselor for two nonprofits that received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grant funds to run programs in West Tennessee. The investigation began after the Tennessee Department of Human Services reported suspected misappropriation of grant funds.
Investigators concluded that Webster was working as a counselor for both Persevere in Memphis and Eagles Nest Services in Jackson at the same time.
Webster improperly received at least $17,239.63 in unearned wages and employer-paid benefits from Persevere. Investigators determined that Webster claimed to be working for both nonprofits simultaneously for 469 hours, a practice called double-dipping.
Both Persevere and Eagles Nest requested and received salary reimbursements for Webster using TANF grant funds. Furthermore, investigators reviewed Webster’s case files for his mental health clients and discovered that he did not maintain any documentation to substantiate that he performed any work for Persevere.
Based upon this investigation, in April 2024, Broderick Webster was indicted by the Shelby County Grand Jury for one count of theft of property over $10,000.
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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