Former Hickman County maintenance director accused of misappropriating $29K+ in county funds
HICKMAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The former maintenance director for Hickman County’s government has been indicted for multiple charges following an investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office.
According to officials, investigators determined that James “Randy” Lynn misappropriated at least $29,960.46 in county funds by using the county’s Lowe’s Home Improvement credit card and the county’s charge account at a local hardware store to buy items for his personal benefit.
Authorities said Lynn’s theft started in July 2017 and ended in March 2022, when his employment was terminated. Then, after Hickman County officials reported questionable purchases, the investigation began.
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The comptroller’s office provided a list of some of the items that Lynn bought for his own benefit, including an electric range and convection oven; a Maytag washer and dryer; a Dyson vacuum; a lawn mower; Christmas décor; power tools; and more than $17,000 in large-gauge copper wire.
Investigators noted that Lynn sold copper to a recycling center as scrap on 14 occasions, often within days of purchasing large-gauge copper wire at the local hardware store, receiving a total of $3,782.05 in payments from those sales.
In addition, authorities said they identified $4,578.69 in questionable purchases made by Lynn — such as window blinds, candles, and toilet paper — but they couldn’t determine if these items were for the “exclusive use and benefit of the county.”
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As a result of this investigation, officials said Lynn was indicted by the Hickman County Grand Jury in December 2023 for one count of theft over $10,000; one count of fraudulent use of a credit card over $2,500; and one count of official misconduct.
“County officials must ensure they are taking time to review invoices and supporting documentation for purchases,” Comptroller Jason Mumpower said in a statement released on Friday, Feb. 16. “Careful review would have noted that items were being purchased that had no legitimate county purpose, such as a fireplace screen, a bathtub faucet, and a baby safety gate.”
Follow these links to check out the comptroller’s investigative report and the associated exhibit for this case.
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