Image Credit: Office of the Tennessee Comptroller
Press Release –
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Jessica West, the former city recorder for the Town of Normandy (population 105) in Bedford County.
Investigators determined that West misappropriated town funds totaling $8,643 beginning in January 2017. West resigned from her position in August 2022.
West used two schemes to steal money from the town. She wrote herself 24 additional paychecks totaling $8,243, and she paid her personal Verizon cell phone bill totaling $400.
The investigation also revealed that West falsified the mayor’s signature on eighteen checks written to herself without property authority or permission.
Based upon this investigation, on December 18, 2023, the Bedford County Grand Jury indicted Jessica West on one count of theft over $2,500, and one count of forgery.
“This investigation also uncovered numerous deficiencies withing the town’s operations that enabled this scheme to go undetected,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “These deficiencies included a failure to separate financial duties, not maintaining records and documents, and signing blank checks.”
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.
