The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Source: WVLT
Posted: Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:33 PM
Ex-Knox County Schools Mechanic Bought Nearly 200K Worth Of Car Parts On School's Purchasing Card
The Tennessee Comptroller's Office investigation uncovered the purchases that dated back to July 2014 and continued until 51-year-old Michael James' employment was terminated in November 2017.
According to the report, James fabricated work orders for $187,670 in car parts. These were for maintenance and repairs on the schools' vehicles that allegedly never occurred. The report adds that James bought parts for Mercedes Benz, BMW, Lexus and other types of cars that are not part of the schools' fleet.
Through the use of the schools' purchasing cards and tax exempt status, The comptroller report also said James avoided paying $17,359 in sales tax.
“One person should not be responsible for ordering parts, charging the parts on a purchasing card and accepting delivery of the parts,” Comptroller Justin P. Wilson said. “It’s also important that someone carefully scrutinize invoices to ensure that purchases are valid. I’m pleased to note Knox County Schools is taking steps to address these issues.”
James was terminated from Knox County Schools on Nov. 21, 2017. On Feb. 13, a Knox County Grand Jury indicted him on one count of theft of property over $60,000.
A March 7 court date has been set for James' arraignment.
