The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office, working in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Revenue, has completed an investigation resulting in the guilty plea of Amanda Stafford, the former Jackson County Clerk. Auditors and investigators with the Comptroller’s Office determined that Stafford stole at least $25,643 between May 2018 and December 2019. The theft was first discovered when Comptroller financial auditors performed a surprise cash count at the clerk’s office on October 22, 2018.
The investigation reveals that Stafford stole most of the money by keeping cash that was collected by the clerk’s office from Jackson Countians. The money should have been deposited in the office’s bank account, but Stafford used the money to pay personal expenses.
Stafford is also accused of fraudulently altering at least 52 vehicle registration applications to conceal her misappropriation of at least $11,315.
Stafford resigned from her position on May 8, 2020.
On May 28, 2020, Amanda Stafford pled guilty in Jackson County to two counts of theft over $2,500.
Jackson County Clerk Pleads Guilty to Theft
May 29, 2020 | 5:00 AM