An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office led to the indictment of Jamie Branin, a former teacher and sponsor of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) student club at Warren County High School in McMinnville.

The investigation began after Warren County school officials reported the allegations to the Auditor’s Office.

Investigators found that Branin embezzled at least $1,431.54 in FBLA revenue between 2017 and 2024.

The majority of the embezzled money came from the club’s fundraisers. The FBLA sold candy bars and meat sticks to support student participation. Branin collected the proceeds from the students after they sold the products. Branin covered up her embezzlement by filing fundraising reports that she knew were false.

Branin also failed to remit student membership and conference fee revenue to the WCHS accountant.

Branin resigned from her position at Warren County High School on February 14, 2024.

On August 2, 2024, the Warren County Grand Jury indicted Jamie Branin on charges of theft of property valued at over $1,000, forgery valued at over $1,000, tampering with government records, and abuse of office.

“School officials should take more steps to properly review donation reports,” said Auditor Jason Mumpower. “This includes investigating inventory deficiencies and obtaining more detailed information when inventory is either given away or sold at a reduced price. Our investigators have met with school officials to make recommendations to implement more stringent controls on these processes.”

The investigation report can be found at tncot.cc/doireports. A map of the auditor general’s investigations can be found at tncot.cc/mappinginvestigations.

If you suspect fraud, waste or misuse of public funds in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at 800.232.5454 or file a report online at: tncot.cc/fraud. Follow us on X/Twitter @TNCOT and Instagram @tncot

Media contact: John Dunn, Director of Communications, 615.401.7755 or [email protected]

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