Loretto City Administrator Used City Workers for Personal Septic Job
Loretto is located in Lawrence County
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has revealed that City of Loretto Administrator Jesse Turner authorized city employees to perform septic work at his personal residence during regular business hours using city resources.
On December 17, 2024, the city utility manager and a utility employee traveled to Turner’s residence in Leoma, Tennessee in a city-owned vehicle. With Turner’s permission, they pumped wastewater from Turner’s septic tank onto his private property and replaced the system’s non-functional pump. The employees claimed they spent approximately two hours on the job.
Tennessee law prohibits the disposal of sewage on private property and requires septic tanks to be pumped by individuals with an active permit from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Neither Turner nor the employees held such permits at the time.
By using city personnel and resources to complete the work, Turner avoided paying a private contractor an estimated $275 to $500. The investigation found this use of city time and assets violated Loretto’s municipal code, which prohibits city employees from using public resources for personal benefit.
“It is vital that public officials adhere to laws and policies that prevent the misuse of government resources,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “Municipal time and equipment must be used for the benefit of all residents and not to provide free services to individual officials.”
On June 25, 2025, the Lawrence County Grand Jury indicted Jesse Turner on one count of official misconduct.
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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