Three individuals have been indicted following an investigation into the misappropriation of funds from the Knox County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, according to reports. Amanda McKay, who worked for Knox County's Grants and Community Development Office, along with Jennifer Harper and her husband James Harper, employees of the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (KCCAC), were named as the accused perpetrators in the alleged scheme.

The misuse of funds, exceeding $90,000 in total, was intended to assist county residents struggling in the wake of the pandemic to manage rental and utility expenses. Investigators claim McKay used false client information to redirect at least $79,679 of the program's funds to herself and her former husband, as recounted by WBIR. Questionable transactions, involving an additional $9,073.24 that McKay received, were flagged as not having gone through the standard approval process.

Meanwhile, Jennifer and James Harper were indicted for allegedly concocting a fake rental agreement to claim $12,800 in fraudulent rental assistance. The grand jury delivered a count of theft over $10,000, and a count of violation of the Computer Crimes Act over $10,000 against each of them, as detailed by WATE.

In light of the indictments, Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower emphasized the importance of strict oversight and internal control systems. “Knox County and Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee officials should take steps to ensure their oversight and internal control systems are effective to prevent misappropriation,” Mumpower stated, as reported by WVLT. He expressed satisfaction that deficiencies contributing to the alleged misuse were in the process of being rectified.

The accused faces multiple charges, including theft and violation of the Computer Crimes Act. McKay's charges also include one count of forgery over $60,000, and two counts of official misconduct.