On May 27, 2026, Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Jason E. Mumpower released an investigative report detailing allegations of malfeasance within the Deer Lodge Volunteer Fire Department in Morgan County for the period between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025. The investigation revealed that the department’s fire chief misappropriated at least $418.74 in department funds by using the organization’s debit card to pay personal electric and telephone utility bills in late 2025.

Although the fire chief initially claimed department funds were only used for official purposes—or occasionally as undocumented loans for members facing financial hardship—he deposited $420 back into the department’s bank account in March 2026, just hours after investigators questioned him about repayment.

The Comptroller’s Office attributed this misappropriation to a critical internal control deficiency, noting that department officials lacked adequate oversight, failed to require supporting documentation or board approval for debit card transactions, and had no formal policy regarding member loans.

While department officials indicated they intend to correct these oversight gaps, the legal findings yielded no criminal charges; District Attorney General Russell Johnson of the 9th Judicial District reported that the Morgan County Grand Jury reviewed the Comptroller’s findings and chose not to indict the fire chief, issuing a “no bill” on the presented indictment.