An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of April Hicks, a former bookkeeper in the Crockett County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.
Hicks stole at least $35,533.84 from the clerk’s office between July 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019, the date she voluntarily left the employment of the office.
Investigators determined that Hicks used at least two methods to steal money.
She failed to deposit $25,415.84 in money that was collected by the clerk’s office. She also voided receipts in the office’s accounting software totaling an additional $10,118. This made it appear that the money had not been received, when in fact it had been collected.
In January 2020, April Hicks was indicted by the Crockett County Grand Jury on one count of theft over $10,000, five counts of official misconduct, and three counts of destruction of and tampering with governmental records.
“A number of internal control weaknesses within the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office made it possible for this theft to occur,” said Comptroller Justin P. Wilson. “The bookkeeper was given sole responsibility over too many of the office’s financial processes. The office also had issues with bank statement reconciliations, depositing funds within three days of collection, and sharing usernames and passwords.”
To view the investigative report, go to: https://comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/investigations/find.html
If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of public money in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at 800.232.5454, or file a report online at: www.comptroller.tn.gov/hotline. Follow us on twitter: @TNCOT
