KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Three people have been indicted in Knox County for the misappropriation of over $92K in program funds, according to a release from the Tennessee Comptroller's Office.
According to the release, investigators were able to determine that Amanda McKay, Jennifer Harper and her husband James Harper collectively misappropriated thousands of dollars from the Knox County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, a program that allows county residents negatively affected by the pandemic to receive rental and utility assistance.
An investigation into the case began earlier this year after Knox County officials reported a series of questionable transactions to the Comptroller's office, the release said. Investigators determined that McKay, an employee for the Knox County Grants and Community Development Office used false client information to misappropriate $79,679 for herself and her former husband. Investigators are also questioning an additional $9,073.24 McKay received that was not authorized through the normal approval and payment process.
Jennifer Harper - an employee of the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee - and her husband James Harper have also been charged following the investigation for using a false rental agreement to apply for and receive $12,800 in fake rental assistance, the release said.
According to the report, Amanda Mckay has been charged with one count of theft over $60,00, one count of violation of the Computer Crimes Act over $60,000, one count of forgery over $60,000 and two counts of official misconduct. Jennifer and James Harper have both been charged with one count of theft over $10,000 and one count of violation of the Computer Crimes Act over $10,000.
“Knox County and Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee officials should take steps to ensure their oversight and internal control systems are effective to prevent misappropriation,” Comptroller Jason Mumpower said. “I’m pleased to note the deficiencies that contributed to these acts are already being corrected.”
