Former Cocke County School Resource Officer Indicted for Falsifying Timesheets
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Leahla Hance, a former School Resource Officer (SRO) with the Cocke County Sheriff’s Department. The investigation began after Cocke County Sheriff’s Department officials reported questionable activity.
Hance served as the full-time SRO at Centerview Elementary School during the fall 2024 semester. Investigators determined that she falsified timesheets to receive pay for days she did not work. Hance failed to report to school on at least 24 days. On 16 of those days, she submitted timesheets indicating full workdays. This resulted in her receiving $2,992 in questionable wages.
Hance admitted to not reporting to school and acknowledged that she was paid for time she did not work. She also claimed to have performed other duties for the department outside of school hours, but no documentation was available to verify this work.
Hance resigned from the department on February 25, 2025.
In August 2025, the Cocke County Grand Jury indicted Leahla Hance on one count each of forgery over $2,500; destruction, tampering, or fabrication of a government record; official misconduct; and theft of property over $2,500.
“Supervisors must ensure they verify employee timesheets before approving them for payment,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “Monitoring SRO activity and using the department’s vehicle GPS technology can strengthen oversight and prevent 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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