Former South Central HRA Employee And Three Others Indicted
$117,024 in Grant Funds Misappropriated
Image Credit: Office of the TN Comptroller
The Comptroller’s Office has released an investigative report detailing a scheme led by former South Central Human Resource Agency (SCHRA) employee and program manager Jennifer Henry. The SCHRA’s main office is in Fayetteville.
Henry enabled her son, Kani Johnson, Makayla Leake, and Dustin Simmons to misappropriate $117,024 in Labor and Workforce Development grant funds while participating in the Work Experience program, which provides pay to eligible participants with employability struggles.
Investigators found that Henry aided the three individuals in representing that they were gainfully employed when they were not. It also appeared that Henry fabricated timesheets for the three individuals and directed a Career Service Provider (CSP) in Bedford County to sign and approve their timesheets. All three were paid through the SCHRA’s payroll system.
Jennifer Henry’s employment with the SCHRA was terminated on November 23, 2021.
Based upon this investigation, in May 2023, the Lincoln County Grand Jury indicted Jennifer Henry on eight separate counts; Kani Johnson on six separate counts; Makayla Leake on six separate counts; and Dustin Simmons on six separate counts. For a full list of the 26 total counts, please view the investigative report.
“When Henry directed the Career Service Provider to approve timesheets without verification, it caused a significant breakdown in internal controls,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “The CSP’s role is to contact worksites, correspond with worksite supervisors, and visit worksites as needed. This did not occur in this case, which allowed the scheme to go undetected.”
To view the investigative report, go to tncot.cc/doireports.
About the Author: John Dunn is the Director of Communications for the office of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.
I hope the Comptroller is investigating ALL HRA’s in TN. They are all just 1 big cabal to piss away taxpayer money for those who don’t want to work. These HRA’s (welfare “contractors” to the govt) get grants in the millions to provide yet another form of welfare. Who needs to work when U can get upwards to $700-$800 or more a month welfare just to stay home. All these HRA’s should be disbanded/unfunded immediately. The Fed & State govts already provides sufficient services, health care, childcare, food cards, money etc. to those on the dole. Loosers GET A JOB!!!!
Fake news! This is the definition of a defamation, accusing someone of this without knowing the truth is horrible journalism.
Fake news! This is the definition of a defamation, accusing someone of this without knowing the truth is horrible journalism!
Ha! The only FAKE NEWS is the crap u are spewing. Read the report!