FENTRESS COUNTY, Tenn. — Mark Crabtree, who served as captain of the Fentress County Rescue Squad, has been indicted after stealing thousands of dollars from the rescue squad, according to a release from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.
An investigation by the Comptroller's Office along with the Fentress County Sheriff's Department revealed Crabtree misappropriated funds totaling at least $22,829.13 between December 2022 and December 2023.
According to the report, Crabtree stole the money in three ways:
- $11,700 by writing seven unauthorized checks to himself for personal use (Crabtree signed both his and the former treasurer’s names on the checks)
- $9,943 by making 47 unauthorized ATM withdrawals and one over-the-counter cash withdrawal for his personal use
- $1,186.13 by making 18 unauthorized personal purchases with the rescue squad debit card (some of those personal purchases included cigarettes, deodorant, allergy medicine and fabric softener)
On Jan. 27, 2024, Crabtree was removed from his position as captain.
According to the Comptroller's Office, Crabtree was indicted on one count of theft over $10,000, one count of forgery over $10,000 and one count of fraudulent use of a credit or debit card over $1,000.
“Rescue squad officers should be sure that financial duties are separated between more than one person. Crabtree maintained records and was involved in collecting, depositing, and disbursing funds,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “Additionally, the rescue squad must do a better job of maintaining supporting documentation for purchases and withdrawals, and accounting for fundraisers.”