Monroe County Sheriff’s Department Employees Indicted for Unlawful Use of Inmate Labor
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office, working in conjunction with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, has resulted in indictments against two Monroe County Sheriff’s Department employees.
The investigation found that fleet manager Neal Townsend and maintenance garage employee Jamey “Lee” Frank improperly used a trusty inmate assigned to the sheriff’s department maintenance garage to perform work on private property.
Investigators determined that Frank transported the inmate from an assigned county work location to a privately owned watercraft repair business where both Frank and Townsend also worked. Video footage showed the inmate performing work on vehicles and equipment at the business. Investigators also determined that the inmate assisted with raising a sunken boat that was not government property.
The investigation further found that the inmate operated vehicles without supervision while at the private business and used tobacco products. Investigators also determined that Frank had not completed the inmate supervision training required by the Tennessee Corrections Institute.
Based upon this investigation, on April 1, 2026, the Monroe County Grand Jury indicted Jamey Lee Frank on one count of official misconduct and one count of unlawful use of inmates. On May 6, 2026, the Monroe County Grand Jury indicted Neal Alan Townsend on one count of official misconduct and one count of unlawful use of inmates.
“Sheriff’s departments must maintain clear procedures for inmate supervision and movement,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “The sheriff’s department must also have a document process for vehicle assignments and use, and develop a policy for assigning, tracking, and terminating physical keycard access.”
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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