The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has released a new report detailing unusual reimbursement practices within the small town of Parrottsville in Cocke County.
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The officer used personal funds to purchase 70 vehicles through GovDeals.com. He also paid expenses including vehicle parts and repairs, fuel, and transportation costs. He was subsequently reimbursed by the town. The former town mayor approved the officer to purchase the vehicles and make repairs or improvements to them for resale purposes to generate revenue for the police department.
In all, the town issued 25 reimbursement checks to the officer totaling $472,430.72. Investigators question $95,592.95 of that amount due to reimbursements that were paid with no supporting documentation, lacked adequate documentation, were for purchases made through a third party not affiliated with the town, were for purchases of property not in the town’s possession, or were documented by invoices that could not be authenticated.
Investigators could not determine whether all the reimbursements to the officer were for the benefit of the town.
The results of the investigation have been communicated with the Office of the District Attorney General of the 4thJudicial District.
“Town officials should establish a formal written purchasing policy that creates procedures to lessen the risk of improper activity,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “It’s also imperative the town requires and retains invoices, receipts, or other supporting documentation before making reimbursements.”
To view the investigative report, go to tncot.cc/doireports.
