An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Austin Lewallen, the former chief of the Paint Rock Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) in Scott County. According to a press release from the State Comptroller’s Office, Lewallen allegedly stole over $13,700 in Paint Rock VFD funds between May 2022 and January 2023 by making over-the-counter bank withdrawals and unauthorized ATM cash withdrawals. Investigators say he also used the VFD’s debit card to make personal purchases and paid a utility bill with Paint Rock VFD funds. The investigation revealed an additional $4,700 in questionable cash withdrawals.
Austin Lewallen was removed as fire chief on March 27, 2023. He has been indicted by the Scott County Grand Jury in November 2023 on one count of theft of property over $10,000 and one count of fraudulent use of a debit card.