Chesser concealed the unauthorized transactions by falsifying the annual club financial records that she submitted to school officials. The Comptroller’s Office initiated its investigation after school officials identified and reported questionable activity in the club’s bank account.
Investigators have also questioned additional club disbursements totaling $3,400.08 which include cash withdrawals and debit card transactions. These disbursements lacked the necessary documentation to support the purchases and withdrawals.
Furthermore, due to the club’s failure to maintain collection logs for fundraisers and document admission fees collected for softball games, investigators could not determine if all collections were deposited in the club’s bank account.
Based upon this investigation, in September 2023, the Carroll County Grand Jury indicted Samantha Chesser for one count of theft of property over $10,000 and one count of forgery over $10,000.
“Booster club officials have a responsibility to ensure they are maintaining invoices, receipts, or other supporting documentation for all disbursements,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “The Comptroller’s Office has developed model polices that each club across Tennessee should be following to help prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.”
To view the investigative report, go to tncot.cc/doireports.