State Investigation Claims Thousands of Taxpayer Dollars Stolen in Oliver Springs

The comptroller’s office’s latest investigation centers on Travis Thrasher. (Courtesy: Tennessee Comptroller's Office)

State Investigation Claims Thousands of Taxpayer Dollars Stolen in Oliver Springs

Oliver Springs, TN (WOKI) Oliver Springs’ chief wastewater operator is now facing charges after an investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.

According to the office, Travis Thrasher has been charged and indicted for official misconduct and theft for reportedly using more than $3,400 taxpayer dollars to buy personal items, including tires, gas and more.

Thrasher resigned from his position on September 13; officials say he paid the town a check covering the money he’d spent as “repayment.”

The investigation also revealed that the comptroller’s office had identified another, roughly, $3,000 in “questionable” purchases from town employees to include items such as food, auto parts, gift cards and more that were not properly documented.

“Our investigators identified a number of deficiencies within the town’s operations that must be corrected,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “These include adopting a written credit card policy, maintaining invoices for purchases, and establishing more control over gift cards. The town must also enforce its disconnect policies for water and wastewater service and reconcile bank statements to its general ledger each month.”

The comptroller’s office’s latest investigation centers on Travis Thrasher. (Courtesy: Tennessee Comptroller’s Office)

Headlines

What's happening

Historic Old North Knoxville’s Victorian Holiday Home Tour

Historic Old North Knoxville’s Victorian Holiday Home Tour

Make plans now to join us for the 34th Annual Victorian Holiday Home Tour on December 7th & 8th 2024! Old North Knoxville features beautiful homes built in the Queen Anne, Craftsman/Bungalow, Neoclassical Revival, and American Four Square style.

Light the World Giving Machines in Knoxville

Light the World Giving Machines in Knoxville

The Light the World Giving Machines are coming to Downtown Knoxville on Wednesday, November 20th across from DiCarlo’s Pizza- 524 S. Gay St. and will be there until December 3rd.