(December 10, 2014) GADSDEN Tenn– The former mayor of Gadsden may have used as much as $75,000 in city money for his own benefit, according to an audit that Tennessee Comptroller Justin Wilson released Wednesday

John Dunn, spokesperson for the state’s Comptroller office tells 101.5 FM, an investigation has determined that the former mayor of the Town of Gadsden, had a pattern of using town funds for his personal benefit.

Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury findings have been reviewed with the district attorney general for the twenty-eighth judicial district.

The audit did not name of the former mayor, whose term ended in 2013. His term as the town’s fire chief ended in February. A spokeswoman for the Crockett County Elections Commission said Steve Selph was the mayor of Gadsden during that time. The University of Tennessee’s Institute for Public Service still lists Selph as the fire chief.

According to Dunn, investigators examined a period between April 1, 2009 and December 31, 2013 and found the town had a cash shortage of at least $35,241. The former mayor was also responsible for questionable purchases totaling $39,925.

According to the Comptrollers investigation findings, The cash shortage was largely due to the former mayor’s purchases of gasoline, food and other items such as cigarettes from a local convenience store which were later billed to and paid for by the town.

According to investigators the former mayor admitted that he bought the gasoline for his personal vehicle, as well as other items, and charged them to the town. Investigators also say the former mayor used town funds to make numerous personal purchases from Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, and J & W Surplus which included clothing, computers, denture cleaner and a gas trimmer.

The questionable purchases included auto repair parts, oil, and numerous food items purchased by the former mayor/fire chief and charged to the town.

Comptroller investigators have recommended the Town of Gadsden take steps to recover the lost funds and adopt policies and procedures that strengthen financial checks and balances. The town’s current mayor and board of aldermen indicate they are taking this situation seriously and are taking steps to prevent future problems.

Calls to Town officials were not returned.

To view the investigation online, go to: http://www.comptroller.tn.gov/ia/