Former Mt. Gilead Volunteer Fire Department treasurer indicted for theft

An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Brittney Hope Webb, the former treasurer of the Mt. Gilead Volunteer Fire Department, in Sparta.

Investigators determined that Webb misappropriated a total of $73,581 from the both the fire department ($45,983) and the White County Firefighters Association ($27,598), which is a nonprofit organization that provides support to the volunteer fire departments in White County.

Webb stole a total of $45,983 from the Mt. Gilead VFD by withdrawing cash, making ATM withdrawals, and by writing four checks to herself from the fire department’s bank account. This occurred while she was serving as the VFD’s treasurer from approximately June 30, 2020, until she was removed from the position, in October 2022.

Additionally, Webb misappropriated $27,598 from the White County Firefighters Association by improperly obtaining access to the association’s bank account. Webb’s former husband was the association’s treasurer from April 2019 until October 2022, and Webb was able to access the account without her former husband’s knowledge.

Comptroller investigators also noted that Brittany Webb signed other individuals’ names on at least 10 different checks without their knowledge or authorization to help perpetrate her misappropriation.

On June 30, 2022, Webb reimbursed a portion of the misappropriated funds by transferring $20,000 into the fire department’s account and $17,345 into the association’s account.

Based upon this investigation, in January 2024, the White County Grand Jury indicted Brittney Webb on one count of theft over $60,000 and nine counts of forgery.

“The fire department’s board should take steps to improve its financial practices,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “These steps must include providing more oversight, requiring supporting documentation for expenditures, and accounting for all fundraising activities.”

___________________________

JOINT STATEMENT

Mt. Gilead Volunteer Fire Department  (now Central View Volunteer Fire Department)

White County Firefighters Association

Date: February 1, 2024

Re: Office of the Comptroller Report

The Mt. Gilead Volunteer Fire Department and White County Firefighters Association were  both the subject of an investigation by the Comptroller of the Treasury for the State of  Tennessee because of alleged malfeasance by a trusted member of the Mt. Gilead Fire  Department.

The leadership of the Mt. Gilead Fire Department was made aware of suspicious activity on  our account on 6 October 2022. While reviewing the suspicious activity it was determined  that the White County Firefighters Association was also involved and leadership from that  organization was immediately brought in to review the activity. It appeared to those  leaders that funding was being directed from both organizations without their consent. Immediate action was taken in contacting the White County Sheriff’s Office, the  Comptroller’s Office, and the White County Executive’s Office. 

In addition to these notifications, both organizations took immediate action to secure their  accounts, prevent further access, and increase accountability of those finances. After  speaking with county leadership and law enforcement a decision was made to remove  those allegedly involved from both organizations. 

Since the beginning of the investigation leadership from both organizations have been  transparent and available to work and meet with the investigators from the Comptroller  and the District Attorney’s Office. “On learning of the suspicious activity Mt. Gilead Fire  Department immediately implemented measures recommended by financial professionals  and our financial institution to establish controls limiting the ability to fraudulently spend  the department’s money and to ensure response capabilities to our neighbors were not  interrupted”, said Chief Thomas Steele of the Mt. Gilead Volunteer Fire Department. 

The current Chairman of the White County Firefighters Association Jason Sparks, who was  not the chairman at the time of the alleged malfeasance said, “The White County  Firefighters Association is blessed with a group of volunteer professionals that each feel  blessed to serve their community. As a group, we are saddened that such criminal activity  occurred. As Fire Service professionals we treasure public trust and I want to ensure our citizens that this issue was taken very seriously. From the point when this incident was  recognized, very stringent financial controls were put in place to prevent such fraudulent  and criminal activity as this in the future.”

The Mt. Gilead Volunteer Fire Department has since merged its response capacity with the  Central View Volunteer Fire Department. Central View Chief Matt McBride said, “it has been  a shame that either organization has had these unfortunate events take place, but I am  proud of the work both organizations did to quickly develop plans to prevent this from  happening again. We would like to thank White County Finance Director Chad Marcum for  their guidance. Also, to the 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the State of Tennessee  Comptroller’s Office for their diligence in the review and investigation of this issue. We  continue to work and train every day in this county to ensure the best for our citizens, no  matter if for emergency or normal business.”

The members and leadership of both organizations want to ensure the public that they are  here to continue to serve you and are deeply saddened that this unfortunate event has  placed a mark on the stellar service of both organizations and brought negative attention to  our community again. A statement echoed by all three chiefs is “We will not be defined by  this misfortune. We will continue to earn your trust every day and serve you in your time of  need.”

Media Contacts

Jason Sparks

Chairman

White County Firefighters Association 

931-808-8599

whitecountytnfirefighters@gmail.com

Thomas Steele

Former Chief

Mt. Gilead Volunteer Fire Department

931-738-2106

Mgvfd1000@gmail.com

Matt McBride

Chief

Central View Volunteer Fire Department

931-212-9849

ema@whitecountytn.gov