A blistering investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has uncovered widespread misuse of funds, equipment, and facilities at the Cumberland Utility District, culminating in the indictments of two former affiliates.

The utility district, which provides drinking water to over 4,400 customers across rural Roane and Morgan counties, was found to have severely lacked proper oversight, leading to unauthorized personal benefits and policy violations.

The Comptroller’s report highlighted several egregious violations by district leadership and staff:

• Theft of Equipment: Former General Manager Robert Patty misappropriated at least $3,295 in district funds to purchase a welder for his personal use in December 2023. The welder sat at Patty’s home for six months before being returned. Patty resigned in January 2025.

• Living on the Job: District employee Roy Ooten was found to be living inside a district-owned shop building, using utility services paid for by the district. Investigators discovered household items, clothing, and a firearm inside the facility. Ooten also hosted an unauthorized event with alcohol on the property.

• Bypassed Drug Testing: In July 2023, Ooten failed a mandatory drug screening after testing positive for alcohol during work hours. While district policy required follow-up testing, a former commissioner unilaterally removed the requirement without board approval.

• Operational Failures: Investigators noted numerous other red flags, including conflicts of interest on grant projects, a vehicle purchase that skipped the bidding process, questionable Medicare reimbursements to a former commissioner, and poor invoice reviews.

Following the investigation, a Roane County Grand Jury handed down indictments on June 15, 2026:

Robert Clyde Patty was indicted on one count of theft over $2,500 and one count of official misconduct.

Roy Lee Ooten was indicted on one count of official misconduct.

Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower emphasized that the breakdown of internal controls directly erodes public trust.

“Utility district boards must provide strong oversight of district assets, purchasing activities, and employee conduct,” Mumpower said. “When policies are not followed, assets are not properly monitored, and conflicts of interest are not disclosed, public confidence in the operation of a utility district can be undermined.”