Thousands of taxpayer dollars were stolen in Oliver Springs, according to state investigation

OLIVER SPRINGS, Tenn. (WVLT) – Oliver Springs’ main wastewater manager is now facing charges following an investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.

The comptroller’s office often investigates allegations of misconduct, theft or fraud. The latest investigation focuses on Travis Thrasher.

According to the office, Thrasher used $3,470 of taxpayer money to purchase personal items, including tires, gas and more.

Thrasher resigned on September 13, but that’s not all. The investigation report also said the comptroller’s office identified an additional $3,010 in “questionable” purchases made by city employees.

Those purchases included items like food, auto parts, gift cards and more that were not properly documented.

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

As for Thrasher, the office said he gave the city a check to cover the money he spent for “reimbursement.” He was indicted and charged with official misconduct and theft.