Comptroller: Former Greene County IT worker used sheriff’s department credit card for $29K Amazon shopping spree

A former Greene County Sheriff’s Department office worker has admitted to funneling more than $49,000 in money and services for his personal use.

A report from the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office said David Stewart Cowles worked in the agency’s IT department and double-dipped on paychecks while working for the county and the town of Greeneville, pocketing more than $19,000 after submitting timesheets for the same hours.

Investigators said he also used a Sheriff’s Office credit card to make $29,000 in purchases on Amazon that included a hot tub and an espresso machine and altered invoices to disguise the shopping spree.

Cowles pleaded guilty earlier this month to one count of theft over $10,000.

(IMAGE: S. Senne / Associated Press)