Former Burlison Recorder Indicted for Theft and Official Misconduct
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Andrea Hopkins, the former recorder for the Town of Burlison in Tipton County.
Investigators determined that Hopkins used public funds totaling $747.69 to pay her personal expenses.
Hopkins used the majority of this money to make a car loan payment; however, she also spent town funds on a personal medical bill, and she used a small amount of town money to pay out of state taxes.
Hopkins admitted to investigators that she paid her personal auto loan with public funds. She subsequently refunded the town for all three of the improper transactions. Hopkins resigned from office on October 17, 2017.
The investigation also revealed the town’s two bank accounts were “tied” together with Hopkins’ personal online accounts. The accounts even had the same pin number. The Mayor and Board of Commissioners terminated all online access to the town’s bank accounts during the investigation.
In March 2018, Andrea Hopkins was indicted by the Tipton County Grand Jury on three counts of theft under $1,000 and three counts of official misconduct.
“Town leaders should continue to look for ways to provide clear checks and balances over the money-handling process,” said Comptroller Justin P. Wilson. “Simple steps can be taken to ensure town funds are being used appropriately.”
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 at: www.comptroller.tn.gov/hotline. Follow us on twitter @TNCOT
Media contact: John Dunn, Public Information Officer, 615.401.7755 or john.dunn@cot.tn.gov
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