Former Scott County Volunteer Fire Chief Accused of Stealing Nearly $14K from Department

The Tennessee Comptroller's Office said former fire chief Austin LeWallen stole money from his volunteer fire department beginning in May 2022. (Courtesy: Tennessee Comptroller’s Office)

Former Scott County Volunteer Fire Chief Accused of Stealing Nearly $14K from Department

December 5, 2023
The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office said former fire chief Austin Lewallen stole money from his volunteer fire department beginning in May 2022. (Courtesy: Tennessee Comptroller’s Office)

Helenwood, TN (WOKI) A former volunteer fire chief in Scott County is arrested Monday, December 4 charged with stealing thousands of dollars from his department.

Officials with the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office say 24 year-old Austin Lewallen stole nearly $14,000 from the Paint Rock Volunteer Fire Department’s funds through a combination of over-the-counter bank and unauthorized ATM cash withdrawals. He is also accused of using the VFD’s debit card to make over 40 personal purchases and paying a utility bill  with Paint Rock VFD funds.

According to the state’s investigation, the theft occurred between May 2022 and January 2023. 

Austin Lewallen, 24

Lewallen was removed as fire chief on March 27, 2023. He was 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.

Lewallen was released on a $20,000 bond Monday, December 4, 2023 following his arrest.

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