Former Henderson County Volunteer Fire Chief Indicted
Daylon McPeake led Department Station 7
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Daylon McPeake, the former fire chief of the Henderson County Volunteer Fire Department’s Station 7.
Investigators determined that McPeake misappropriated funds totaling at least $19,077.41 between January 2021 and October 2023. The fire department’s funds were stolen in three methods:
- McPeake improperly cashed checks written to cash and himself totaling $6,832.41. Investigators determined that much of this money ($6,632.41) was deposited into McPeake’s personal bank account.
- McPeake made unauthorized checking account withdrawals totaling $11,300. McPeake admitted that a portion of the money was used toward the purchase of a personal vehicle.
- McPeake improperly purchased three helmets totaling $945 without authorization. The helmets were shipped to his personal address and are unaccounted for.
In an effort to conceal his misappropriation, McPeake verbally reported to members an inflated bank account balance. For example, in September and October 2023, he reported a balance of approximately $29,500; however, the official bank account records revealed a balance of approximately $14,000.
Investigators also found that McPeake created fabricated invoices and forged a signature on a station check to facilitate his scheme.
McPeake was removed from his position as fire chief on October 19, 2023.
Based upon this investigation, in April 2024, the Henderson County Grand Jury indicted Christopher Daylon McPeake on one count of theft over $10,000, one count of evidence tampering or fabrication, and one count of forgery.
“Our investigators found a number of financial management deficiencies within this department,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “In addition to one person having exclusive control over the department’s bank accounts, the department also failed to reconcile and maintain its accounting records; it did not require prenumbered checks and dual signatures on checks; and it did not require receipts to be issued for all collections.”
To view the investigative report, go to tncot.cc/doireports. To view a map depicting Comptroller investigations, go to tncot.cc/mappinginvestigations
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 X/Twitter @TNCOT and Instagram @tncot
Media contact: John Dunn, Director of Communications, 615.401.7755 or john.dunn@cot.tn.gov
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