Comptroller’s Office Focusing On Parrottsville

The Tennessee Comptroller’s office is focusing attention on Cocke County, namely the town of Parrottsville. On Monday, the Comptroller’s office released a report stating that a Parrottsville police officer received questionable reimbursements totaling at least $95,592.95 from July 2021 through January 2023. According to the comptroller’s report ” 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 mayor approved the officer to purchase the vehicles and make repairs or improvements to them for the resale purposes to generate revenue for the police department.”

The report continues that “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 purchase made through a third party not affiliated with the town, 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.”

State Comptroller Jason Mumford says, “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.”

Mumford Says the reports findings have been turned over to the District Attorney General’s office for the 4th Judicial District.