An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Jamie Branin, a former teacher and the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) student club sponsor at Warren County High School in McMinnville.
The investigation began after Warren County School officials reported allegations to the Comptroller’s Office.
Investigators determined that Branin misappropriated at least $1,431.54 of FBLA collections between 2017 and 2024.
The majority of the misappropriated money came from the club’s fundraising activities. The FBLA sold chocolate bars and meat sticks to support students’ participation. Branin collected the proceeds from the students after they sold the products. Branin concealed her fundraiser misappropriation by turning in fundraiser reports that she knew to be false.
Branin also failed to remit collections she received for students’ membership dues and conference fees to the WCHS bookkeeper.
Branin resigned from her position at Warren County High School on February 14, 2024.
On August 2, 2024, the Warren County Grand Jury indicted Jamie Branin for one count of theft of property over $1,000, one count of forgery over $1,000, one count of tampering with government records, and one count of official misconduct.
“School officials should take more steps to properly review fundraiser reports,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “This includes following up on inventory shortages, and receiving more detailed information when inventory is either given away or sold at a discounted price. Our investigators have met with school officials to provide recommendations on implementing stronger controls over these processes.”
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