Former Monterey Police Chief Bill Randolph has pleaded guilty to theft charges. On May 14, he entered a plea in Putnam County Criminal Court to theft of property up to $1,000. He was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution and court costs.

The case stemmed from a Tennessee Comptroller’s Office investigation that led to his indictment in November 2024. Investigators found that Randolph misappropriated at least $2,387.95 in public funds and fraudulently obtained 36 hours of training credit in 2022. Instead of attending the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Officer’s Association (TLETOA) Fall Conference in Gatlinburg, he and his wife spent the time visiting restaurants and shopping. The Town of Monterey had paid for his conference registration, membership dues, wages, hotel, fuel, and per diem. Randolph used QR codes provided by another officer to falsely log his attendance and later submitted documentation claiming the training credits.

The Putnam County Grand Jury indicted him on one count of theft of property over $1,000, three counts of official misconduct, one count of forgery, one count of false entries in governmental records, and one count of violating the Tennessee Personal and Commercial Computer Act. Comptroller officials criticized Randolph for abusing his position and involving subordinates, saying the actions raised serious ethical concerns and damaged public trust in the department.