Lawrence County man indicted after thefts from two separate entities
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office released two separate investigations related to the actions of Bradley Lee, who is currently facing a number of charges in Lawrence County.
According to officials, the first investigation involves Lee’s tenure as the former general manager of the Leoma Utility District, which provides water service to 1,400 customers in Lawrence County. Investigators discovered Lee misappropriated at least $7,944.08 in district funds from December 2020 through December 2022.
Authorities said Lee made personal purchases from Amazon, made personal purchases of automobile-related items, and obtained the district’s petty cash for his personal use and benefit. In addition, he allegedly fabricated invoices and provided fictitious reasons for his purchases in an effort to hide his theft.
Then, the second investigation determined Lee misappropriated at least $1,134.56 while serving with the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department (CPVFD), according to the comptroller’s office.
Lee reportedly used a CPVFD fuel card to buy $886.55 in fuel for his personal vehicle and avoided paying $248.01 in taxes on these fuel purchases. However, in April and May of 2023, officials said Lee paid the CPVFD back for his personal purchases.
Based on these investigations, authorities announced the Lawrence County Grand Jury indicted Lee earlier this month on one count of theft over $1,000; one count of theft of property over $2,500; one count of computer crimes; three counts of criminal simulation; and one count of official misconduct.
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“Both the volunteer fire department and utility district attempted to work out an arrangement with Lee instead of notifying the Comptroller’s Office that suspected unlawful conduct had occurred,” Comptroller Jason Mumpower said in a statement on Friday, Jan. 26. “Additionally, these investigations show the importance of reviewing and maintaining documentation for all purchases.”
To check out the investigative reports and associated exhibits from the comptroller’s office, follow this link.
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