Former 12th Judicial District Drug Task Force Director Misappropriated $7,246
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office, working in conjunction with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, has revealed the former director of the 12th Judicial District Drug Task Force (DTF) misappropriated at least $7,246 in confidential and seized funds between 2017 and 2021.
The 12th Judicial District Drug Task Force serves Bledsoe, Rhea, Sequatchie, Grundy, Franklin, and Marion counties. During the investigation period, the DTF also served Van Buren and Warren counties.
Investigators determined the former director misappropriated funds by obtaining money for controlled drug purchases that were not supported by evidence, taking cash seized from the subject of a drug investigation, and taking confidential informant (CI) funds transferred from another agent. In one instance, the former director created a document omitting the seizure of $3,771 in cash. The same document contained the signature of another officer who confirmed his signature was not authentic.
Additionally, investigators question at least $4,225 in confidential fund expenditures made by the former director for which no supporting documentation could be found to show that evidence or services were obtained.
“It is critical for law enforcement agencies to maintain clear, thorough documentation and strict oversight of both evidence and financial transactions,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “Written policies must also be in place for the collection, recording, storage and destruction of evidence.”
The former director’s employment was terminated on May 31, 2021.
The results of this investigation have been communicated to the Office of the District Attorney General of the 11th Judicial District, who was appointed as Pro Tem in this matter.
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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