Ex-general manager of Tarpley Shop Utility District indicted for theft

GILES COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The former general manager of the Tarpley Shop Utility District (TSUD) in Pulaski — which provided water service to approximately 1,200 customers before its merger with South Giles Utility District earlier this year — has been indicted as the result of an investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office .

According to officials, investigators determined that Freddie Byrd used a total of $7,939.55 in district funds to make personal purchases between 2017 and 2023. The majority of these purchases reportedly included battery-operated tools, small equipment and repairs, and vehicle parts that did not fit district-owned vehicles.

In addition, the comptroller’s office said Byrd made other questionable purchases from a variety of vendors with district funds totaling $9,849.64. However, investigators were unable to confirm if the all the purchases were used for official district purposes.

According to a statement released by the comptroller’s office on Wednesday, July 24, the investigation also revealed that $25,035.79 in questionable fuel purchases were made with TSUD funds, but authorities weren’t able to determine if all the fuel purchases were used for district purposes due to lack of documentation.

Based on this investigation, officials said the Giles County Grand Jury indicted Byrd on July 10 for one count of theft of more than $2,500 but less than $10,000, as well as two counts of official misconduct.

“Our investigators found a number of weaknesses and deficiencies within the financial operations of the TSUD,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “Although, this utility has merged with another, it’s important for all utilities to have strong policies, internal controls, and board oversight to ensure operations are conducted properly and responsibly.”

Follow these links to view the comptroller’s investigative report and the associated exhibit for the Tarpley Shop Utility District case.

If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of public money in Tennessee, you are encouraged to call the comptroller’s toll-free hotline at 800-232-5454, or file a report online .

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