“Booster club thefts continue to be a problem throughout Tennessee,” said Auditor Jason 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.”
Downs admitted to investigators that she spent the money on personal purchases, but she also donated more than $6,000 to the club, which she said were her personal funds used to balance the club’s account.
“In September 2023, while attending the High School Fishing World Finals in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, Downs accepted a $1,000 cash donation from a representative of the Upper Cumberland Junior Bass Fishing Club,” the investigative report states. “Investigators were told the donation was to be used for the expenses of the Upperman Fishing Team in Wisconsin. However, Downs did not issue a receipt for these funds and did not maintain any financial records, including any invoices or receipts for the disbursement of these funds.”
