Image Credit: Tennessee Comptroller & Weakley County Detention Center
Tennessee Conservative News Staff –
A West Tennessee mayor, economic development director, and the mayor’s daughter have been indicted on theft charges.
Martin Mayor Randy Brundige, his daughter Natalie Brundige, and Martin Economic Development Director Brad Thompson all face multiple charges related to theft and official misconduct, according to the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office.
The indictments were handed down following a secret grand jury session on Monday, during which 27th District Attorney General Colin Johnson presented findings from the Tennessee State Comptroller’s Office.
An investigation revealed that Mayor Brundige had misappropriated at least $10,925.03 by charging unauthorized travel and meal expenditures to his city-issued credit card. It was also alleged that he and Thompson enjoyed meals at high-end restaurants, often charging hundreds of dollars per meal, while on business trips.
Thompson is also accused of misappropriating more than $273,932.13. He allegedly charged the city for services through his personal business One Consulting for work that was a part of his regular duties. He also used his city-issued credit card for personal travel and meal expenses, including a first-class flight to Italy.
It was also found that Natalie Brundige, who worked as a custodian for the city, was paid at least $174,109 in unearned pay and benefits. It was found that she frequently only worked about two hours of her eight hour shift each day but received pay as a full-time employee for more than six years.
According to the Weakley County Sheriff and Jailer, the trio is facing the following charges:
- Randy Brundige faces four counts of theft over $60,000, one count of theft over $10,000, four counts of official misconduct, and one count of accessory after the fact.
- Brad Thompson is charged with one count of theft over $60,000, one count of theft over $10,000, and four counts of official misconduct.
- Natalie Brundige faces one count of theft over $60,000 and one count of official misconduct.
On Tuesday, all three individuals turned themselves in to the Weakley County Detention Center in Dresden. Each was released on a $25,000 bond.
One Response
Aren’t these people audited on a regular basis? if not, why?
Every public official who has control of any kind over public funding, programs, etc., mut be audited every year, at least, to avoid these kinds of crimes. This is common sense management of public employees. By and large the white collar crimes in TN are public officials!