GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. — The former director of the drug task force that serves several Tennessee counties in our viewing area misappropriated more than $7,000, a state investigation has found.
The report from Tennessee’s Office of the Comptroller released Monday did not identify the former director of the 12th Judicial District Drug Task Force, but we’re working to find that out.
The investigation found that $7,246 in confidential and seized funds was taken between 2017 and 2021.
Investigators found that the former director misappropriated funds by obtaining money for controlled drug purchases without supporting evidence, taking cash seized from a drug investigation subject, and taking confidential informant funds transferred from another agent.
In one instance, the former director created a document that omitted the seizure of $3,771 in cash. The document contained the signature of another officer, who confirmed that his signature was not authentic.
What’s more, investigators questioned 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 Jason Mumpower. “Written policies must also be in place for the collection, recording, storage and destruction of evidence.”
The former director was fired May 31, 2021.
The results of the investigation have been communicated to the Office of the District Attorney General of the 11th Judicial District.
The task force serves Bledsoe, Rhea, Sequatchie, Grundy, Franklin, and Marion counties, and during the investigation period, it also served Van Buren and Warren counties.
Read the full report below:
