OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — More than $24,600 from the Oak Ridge High School Navy JROTC Booster Club was used in questionable transactions, according to an investigative report released by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.
The investigation was initiated after school officials raised concerns about irregularities in the booster club’s financial records. The Comptroller’s Office reviewed transactions from July 2020 through September 21, 2023, when the booster club ceased operations and transferred its remaining funds back to the school.
The Navy JROTC Booster Club, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization run by parents and volunteers, was established to support and promote Oak Ridge High School’s Navy JROTC program, which had 130 students in 2021.
According to the report, former booster club officials made 22 questionable cash withdrawals totaling $21,943.18 between July 2020 and April 2022. While school officials stated the money was spent on expenses such as a military ball, a back-to-school party, trailer costs, and field trips, the comptroller’s office noted that documentation supporting these expenditures was not provided.
Further scrutiny revealed that between September and November 2021, the former treasurer wrote two reimbursement checks to himself totaling $2,660.60. The treasurer failed to provide documentation or explanation for these reimbursements during the investigation.
In total, the questionable transactions exceeded $24,600. The findings have been forwarded to the 7th Judicial District Attorney General Dave Clark for further review and potential legal action.
