UPPERMAN HIGH SCHOOL FISHING BOOSTER CLUB TREASURER STOLES $14,806 – 3B Media News

An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office resulted in the indictment of Rosemary Downs, the former treasurer of the Upperman High School Fishing Booster Club in Baxter, Tennessee. The booster club supports the school’s fishing team and is run by parents and other volunteers.

Investigators found that Downs embezzled at least $14,806.82 in club funds from November 2022 to March 2024. As treasurer, Downs had direct access to the club’s checking account and debit card.

Down stole money from the club for her own use through the following four schemes:

• She filled out 15 check withdrawal slips at the bank, signed them, and withdrew cash totaling $11,215.
• She used the club’s debit card to withdraw $798 in cash from ATMs.
• She wrote eight unauthorized checks to her husband for a total amount of $2,393.82 and subsequently endorsed those checks by signing her husband’s name on the back without her husband’s knowledge.
• She used the club’s debit card to make two transactions on Carnival Cruise totaling $400.

Downs admitted to investigators that she used club funds for personal purposes. She also made personal deposits to the club totaling $6,025, which she said were used to reimburse the club.

Based on this investigation, the Putnam County Grand Jury indicted Rosemary Downs in July 2024 for theft of property valued at over $10,000 and forgery.

“Thefts at booster clubs continue to be a problem throughout Tennessee,” said Auditor Mumpower. “Like many other cases, this case involved one person who was given too much control over all financial matters without others being involved. A basic level of control would include requiring two signatures on all checks.”

To view the investigation report, go to tncot.cc/doireports.