Comptroller’s Office Investigates Former Farragut High School Lacrosse Coach
The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has completed an investigation of a former lacrosse coach at Farragut High School in Knox County. The investigation began after school officials reported questionable practices by the lacrosse coach.
Investigators determined that the former coach used at least $6,323 of the team’s funds for personal purposes. The former coach used the team’s debit card to make cash withdrawals, pay cell phone charges, and make purchases including restaurant meals and clothing.
These transactions occurred between March 1, 2019 and May 31, 2019. During this time, the former coach had sole control of the lacrosse operations bank account and debit card.
Comptroller investigators are also questioning purchases totaling an additional $1,948. The former coach did not adequately document these purchases, which included food and sporting goods, with itemized receipts or invoices. Investigators could not conclusively determine if these purchases were exclusively for the benefit of the Farragut High School Lacrosse Team.
The former lacrosse coach resigned from his position in July 2019.
The Comptroller’s Office has communicated the results of its investigation with the Office of the District Attorney General of the 6th Judicial District.
“Farragut High School’s lacrosse team and its booster club are required to follow the state’s Model Financial Policy for School Support Organizations,” said Comptroller Justin P. Wilson. “Fraudulent activity can be prevented by simple practices such as requiring two signatures on all checks, and keeping receipts and other documentation for all purchases.”
To view the investigative report, go to: https://comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/investigations/find.html
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: tncot.cc/fraud. Follow us on twitter: @TNCOT
Media contact: John Dunn, Director of Communications, 615.401.7755 or john.dunn@cot.tn.gov
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