The former district manager for the Bristol-Bluff City Utility allegedly misappropriated more than $294,000 in district funds and spent it on herself.
This, according to an audit that Tennessee Comptrollers released this month.
That former district manager, Tina Grindstaff, held that position from August 2008 through 2019, the audit said.
“Comptroller investigators found that Grindstaff misappropriated at least $294,810.71 in district funds by directing unauthorized compensation to herself. This compensation included payments for overtime, leave, holiday, and bonus pay that were not authorized by the district’s board of commissioners or Grindstaff’s employment agreement,” according to an emailed press release.
“In addition to paying herself unauthorized compensation, Grindstaff paid bonuses to employees totaling at least $24,025 that were not approved by the board of commissioners. These bonuses were not reflected on the employees’ annual W-2 forms. The investigation also reveals that Grindstaff directed questionable payments and provided life insurance for her father totaling at least $132,907.13. Furthermore, Grindstaff made questionable payments to her aunt totaling $24,200.”
Investigators said in the press release that they could not locate sufficient documentation and board authorization to support these payments.
“Finally, Grindstaff made questionable purchases and withdrawals totaling $13,897.33. Some of these disbursements included money for a boat repair, pool equipment, veterinary expenses, a karaoke machine, and tanning bed bulbs. Investigators could not determine if these disbursements were exclusively for the benefit of the district,” the press release said.
“In July 2021, the Sullivan County Grand Jury indicted Grindstaff on one count of theft over $250,000, one count of theft over $60,000, and two counts of theft over $2,500.”
The Bristol-Bluff City Utility District in Bluff City provides water service to approximately 2,400 customers in Sullivan County. The district operates and maintains its own water treatment plant. A three-members board of commissioners oversees the district, according to the audit.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
Top bad she isn’t a Democrat mayor of Nashville. She would get off with no consequences. Felony expunged.