CLEVELAND, Tenn. — An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office, the Cleveland Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation revealed that a former Cleveland Utilities information technology clerk used utility funds for personal purchases, according to a release from the Comptroller's office.
Investigators said the clerk spent at least $5,415 of utility funds between September 2017 and April 2018 to purchase at least 92 items for her personal use, including purses, headphones, wireless speakers and woodworking tools.
The clerk frequently falsified purchasing documents by providing inaccurate descriptions of the items she bought, according to investigators.
Officials said she also utilized the utilities’ tax-exempt status to avoid paying sales taxes.
Cleveland Utilities terminated her employment on May 2, 2018, according to the Comptroller's office.
Comptroller investigators said they have referred their findings to the local district attorney general.
“A key weakness in this situation was allowing the clerk to initiate a purchase request, order an item, receive the item and approve the related invoice for payment,” said Comptroller Justin P. Wilson. “These financial responsibilities should be separated between multiple individuals. This key internal control can help prevent fraud, waste and abuse.”
To view the investigation, go to the Comptroller's website.
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.
