State comptroller finds cash shortage in Hardeman County
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BOLIVAR, Tenn. — During his first week in office, Hardeman County Mayor Jimmy Sain said he discovered fraud within the Solid Waste Department. Sain said he alerted authorities immediately, and now their investigation has revealed a former employee was taking money from the taxpayers. “I sincerely hope the county employees with this instance happening understands clearly that we are not going to tolerate this kind of behavior,” Sain said. The Tennessee comptroller’s office released the results of their investigation Wednesday. The investigation reveals the Hardeman County Solid Waste Department was more than $3,000 short on cash. “After their investigation, they said she did admit to fraud,” Sain said. “She was then terminated and she had just been suspended without pay, and now she has been terminated.” Sain said the former employee was not supposed to be employed in the first place. He said her employment violated the county’s nepotism policy because she is the daughter-in-law of former Hardeman County Mayor Willie Spencer. “I hope the lady pays for her bad decisions, and I hope other employees understand what she’s facing and they will face the same if they pull this kind of stunt,” Sain said. Officials said the former employee will be charged once the investigation is complete.
