OVERTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The former fire chief of the Rickman Volunteer Fire Department has been indicted after an investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller's Office.
According to the Comptroller, David Akers was indicted after the investigation revealed questionable use of state grant funds. The Comptroller's Office was alerted to the potential misappropriation of funds by reports from other RVFD officials.
Investigators determined Akers misappropriated at least $86,189.58 in grant funds awarded to RVFD to purchase protective equipment and gear.
According to the Comptroller's office, Akers instead used most of the money for his personal benefit. This included cash withdrawals, purchases of multiple personal vehicles, hunting equipment, vacation lodging, and college football tickets.
Akers also handled fundraiser proceeds for the fire department and failed to deposit at least $1,072.91 into the RVFD bank account, the Comptroller's Office said. To close out the grant and avoid detection, Akers reportedly submitted false documentation to the State Fire Marshal's Office showing the equipment had been purchased using grant funds.
After being contacted by state investigators on March 13, 2025, Akers reportedly received a loan from a family member and repaid $86,189.58 to cover the cost of the misappropriated grant funds.
Akers was indicted by the Overton County Grand Jury on Sept. 22, the Comptroller's Office said in a release. He was indicted on one count of theft over $60,000, one count of theft over $1,000, and one count of violating the Tennessee Personal and Commercial Computer Act.
"This case illustrates the critical need for financial oversight and proper documentation within our volunteer fire departments," Comptroller Jason Mumpower said. "Grant funds are provided to enhance public safety — not to be used for personal gain. I'm pleased the department took appropriate steps to report these issues and is now working to correct deficiencies."
from WKRN News 2 https://ift.tt/vC6csle
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