Comptroller: Former Gibson Mayor Misappropriated Funds

An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has determined that a former mayor of the Town of Gibson misappropriated $2,000 in public funds for personal gain. The Comptroller’s Office began its review after contract auditors suspected fraud by the former mayor.

Investigators found in 2021, the former mayor, who served in that role from July 2017 to July 2023, facilitated a $7,000 town check to purchase a utility truck for municipal use. However, the vendor’s invoice showed the truck’s actual cost was $5,000. The remaining $2,000 from the overpayment was improperly applied, at the mayor’s instruction, to the purchase of a separate vehicle for the mayor’s personal business.

Town officials told investigators they were aware a truck had been purchased for the town but were not informed of the purchase price or that part of the check had been diverted to cover a private vehicle purchase. The former mayor acknowledged to investigators that he owned the personal vehicle involved in the transaction.

On November 19, 2025, the former mayor reimbursed the Town of Gibson $2,000.

“This investigation highlights the need for strong internal controls, proper documentation, and written policies and procedures for purchasing,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “Even in small municipalities, every public dollar must be properly safeguarded, and every purchase clearly documented to maintain the public’s trust.”

To view a map depicting where the 500 Comptroller’s Office investigations have taken place, go to tncot.cc/mappinginvestigations

To view the investigative report, go to tncot.cc/doireports.