An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Bill Randolph, the police chief for the Town of Monterey in Putnam County.

Comptroller investigators determined that Randolph misappropriated at least $2,387.95 and improperly received 36 hours of training credit in 2022.

Randolph enrolled in the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Officer’s Association (TLETOA) 2022 Fall Conference in Gatlinburg from November 14-18. Instead of attending the conference, Randolph and his wife visited restaurants and went shopping during conference hours.

In addition to his $400 conference registration fee, the town also paid for Randolph’s $25 TLETOA membership, wages ($1,200), overnight accommodations ($432.96), fuel reimbursement ($54.99), and per diem ($275) associated with attending this conference.

During the conference, another Monterey police officer shared QR codes with Randolph which allowed him to improperly log his attendance in training classes. Randolph then submitted documentation of 36 credit hours to the department’s General Department Instructor, who was responsible for maintaining the training histories of all Monterey officers.

The results of this investigation were communicated with the District Attorney General’s Conference who is serving as Pro Tem in this matter.

Based upon this investigation, on November 4, 2024, the Putnam County Grand Jury indicted Bill Randolph on one count of theft of property over $1,000, three counts of official misconduct, one count of forgery over $1,000, one count of false entries in governmental records, and one count of violation of the Tennessee Personal and Commercial Computer Act of 2003.

“This investigation raises several ethical concerns,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “By engaging his subordinates in his actions, the chief abused his position, and he has potentially damaged the public trust in the management of the department.”

To view the investigative report, go here.