Former Jackson Police Aviation Chief Pilot indicted for theft

Former Jackson Police Aviation Chief Pilot Indicted for Theft

An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Terry Hopper, the former Chief Pilot of the Jackson Police Aviation Unit. The investigation began after Jackson Police Department officials reported questionable payroll transactions.

Investigators determined that Hopper improperly received at least $29,499.07 in unearned wages and employer-paid benefits between May 1, 2021 and August 31, 2022.

In early 2020, Hopper was allowed to occasionally travel to a neighboring law enforcement agency under the pretense that he was training for an advanced aviation certification. However, in August 2022, department officials discovered that he was, instead, traveling to Millington to perform work for a private business.

Investigators reviewed records and concluded that Hopper was paid by the City of Jackson for 780.25 regular hours and 32 overtime hours when he was not physically present at his assigned work location.

Hopper’s unearned wages totaled $23,146.89, and his unearned payroll benefits totaled $6,352.18.

The investigation also found that Hopper abused his assigned City of Jackson-owned vehicle privilege by fueling his vehicle on days he claimed to be working for the department but was not physically present at the aviation hangar or neighboring law enforcement agency.

Terry Hopper retired from the Jackson Police Department on November 16, 2022. Based upon this investigation, in October 2024, the Madison County Grand Jury indicted him on one count of theft of property over $10,000.

“Employers should do their best to verify that employees are present at their assigned work location each day,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “Failure to do so increases the risk that errors or intentional misappropriations will occur and remain undetected.”

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

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE JACKSON POLICE DEPARTMENT: 

Investigation of Former Employee by the Comptroller

[Jackson, TN] November 5, 2024- In late August 2022, an internal administrative review of equipment located at the Jackson Police Department Aviation Unit hangar led investigators of the JPD Professional Standards and Integrity Unit (PSIU) to conduct a further and detailed investigation into the work activities of one of the Aviation Unit’s assigned pilots, Sergeant Terry Hopper.

On November 9, 2022, upon a review of the findings from the internal investigation, and pursuant to state law, Chief Corley contacted the Office of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury to report what appeared to be inappropriate, and possibly unlawful, conduct on behalf of Sergeant Hopper.

The following day, Hopper was summoned to a JPD Administrative Disciplinary Hearing based upon suspected Department policy violations, and he was subsequently separated from employment with the Jackson Police Department on November 16, 2022.

The Jackson Police Department provided the Comptroller’s Office with all relevant Department records, including the PSIU internal investigation file, and cooperated fully with their investigation.

As a criminal prosecution is now pending, there will be no further statements from the Jackson Police Department.

“The Jackson Police Department is committed to prioritizing the safety of all citizens who live and work in our community. Our goal is to create a secure environment where everyone feels protected and respected. The support of the Jackson community is invaluable as we strive to build a safer, stronger Jackson for everyone.”

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