COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. — A Cocke County police officer is being investigated after a new report detailing unusual reimbursement practices in Parrottsville.
According to Comptroller Jason Mumpower , the officer used personal funds to purchase 70 vehicles through GovDeals.com, as well as vehicle parts, repairs, fuel and transportation costs. The officer was reimbursed through the town, with the former mayor approving the officer to purchase the vehicles and make repairs or improvements to them to generate revenue for the police department, according to the report.
The town issued 25 reimbursement checks to the officer totaling $472,430.72, the comptroller says. Investigators are questioning $95,592.95 of that amount due to reimbursements they say were paid with no supporting documentation, lacked adequate documentation, were for purchases of property not in the town's possession, or were documented by invoices that could not be authenticated.
Investigators say they have not been able to determine whether all reimbursements to the officer were for the benefit of the town. The results of the investigation have been communicated to the Office of the District Attorney General of the 4th Judicial 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.”