Former Knox County Rescue Financial Administrator Stole More Than $44,000

Image Credit: Office of the Tennessee Comptroller

The Center Square [By Jon Styf] –

The former financial administrative assistant for Knox County Rescue was allegedly found to have misappropriated more than $44,000 during an investigation from the Tennessee Comptroller’s office.

Charlotte McLawhorn is accused of spending more than $24,550.30 of KCR funds via credit card on airline tickets, salon expenses, medical bills, vacation rentals and retail shopping between September 2020 and April 2023, when she left the job.

McLawhorn is also accused of making purchases using three cards that had formerly been assigned to other employees and had been turned over to her.

McLawhorn was indicted on a charge of theft of property over $10,000, Tennessee Computer Crimes Act violations over $10,000, forgery over $10,000 and fraudulent use of credit cards.

“Once again we see a situation where one person is given too much financial responsibility,” Comptroller Jason Mumpower said. “The same person should not be collecting, depositing, and disbursing funds as well as maintaining accounting records and reviewing bank and credit card statements without oversight. This approach invites the potential for fraud, waste and abuse.”

McLawhorn allegedly made at least 62 false entries into KCR’s accounting software. On one occasion, she changed the description of a Vera Bradley purchase to “Quality Inn – Lodging” for reimbursement.

She also allegedly made questionable credit card purchases totaling $9,325.29 and questionable fuel purchases totaling $2,735.90.