State investigators say three people, including a woman who worked for Knox County and another who worked for a high-profile nonprofit, stole money from the Knox County Emergency Rental Assistance Program by creating fake clients.
The three – Amanda McKay, 42, Jennifer Harper, 53, and James Harper, 56 – were indicted by a grand jury on theft and computer fraud charges after hearing evidence collected by investigators from the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office.
According to researchers:
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McKay, who worked as an employee and contractor for Knox County Grants and Community Development, stole at least $79,600 by using false customer information to have rent and utility payments sent to herself and her former husband. From March 2022 through December 2022, McKay, who checked files for accuracy, created false customer information with ID codes that appeared authentic and then made payments to herself, her former husband and utility companies, the comptroller’s report said. She is charged with theft, violation of the Tennessee Computer Act, forgery and official misconduct. Her next court date is December 12.
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Harper, who worked for the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee, and James Harper, her husband, stole at least $12,800. From April 2022 through October 2022, the Harpers used a fake rental agreement to apply for and receive $12,800 in rental assistance, investigators say. They said their son rented a building on their property, but investigators questioned that because there was no power or water on site and the building was in disrepair. The two are charged with theft and violation of the Tennessee Computer Act. Their next court date is December 17.
Knox County officials and the Community Action Committee raised the alarm with the comptroller’s office about questionable transactions, leading to the state investigation.
McKay is no longer employed by Knox County, said Chris Caldwell, the county’s chief financial officer.
Jennifer Harper is no longer with the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee and her husband never worked with the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee, said Windie Wilson, human resources director for the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee.
“Knox County and Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee officials must take steps to ensure their oversight and internal control systems are effective to prevent embezzlement,” Comptroller Jason Mumpower said in a news release. “I am pleased to note that the shortcomings that contributed to these actions have already been corrected.”
Myron Thompson reports on public safety for Knox News. Email: myron.thompson@knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Three Knox County residents accused of stealing COVID relief funds
