In a case that calls into question the integrity of local law enforcement leadership, Monterey Police Chief Bill Randolph has been indicted on multiple charges following an investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office. Randolph stands accused of misappropriating funds and forging training records during a 2022 law enforcement conference.
The indictment details reveal that Randolph, instead of attending the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Officer’s Association (TLETOA) conference for which the town paid his registration fee and related expenses, decided to visit restaurants and shop with his wife. The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office uncovered that the town shelled out funds for the conference and his membership, wages, accommodations, fuel, and per diem, amounting to a total misappropriation of at least $2,387.95.
What compounded Randolph's troubles were the 36 hours of training credit he falsely claimed to have obtained at the conference. "During the conference, another Monterey police officer shared QR codes with Randolph, which allowed him to improperly log his attendance in training classes," as detailed in the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office investigation. The ill-gotten credits were then submitted to the department’s General Department Instructor, compromising the chain of accountability and verification that such training records demand.
The grand jury's action on Monday resulted in seven charges levied against Randolph, including theft of property over $1,000, three counts of official misconduct, a count of forgery over $1,000, false entries in governmental records, and a count of violation of the Tennessee Personal and Commercial Computer Act of 2003.
