Tennessee highway superintendent allegedly stole 16,000 gallons of diesel for his private trucking company

A Tennessee transportation official has been charged after being accused of participating in a years-long conspiracy to steal diesel fuel from the Clay County Highway Department and use it to fuel his own trucking company.

On September 11, 2024, the Tennessee Comptroller's Office announced that Jason Browning, Clay County's highway superintendent, was indicted on charges of theft over $10,000 and three counts of abuse of office.

Browning is accused of stealing 16,200 gallons of diesel fuel, valued at least $56,971.60, that he purchased from his department between July 2021 and July 2023. The fuel was to be used in his private trucking business, Browning Trucking.

“After purchasing the 2007 Peterbilt 379, Browning hired a driver to transport raw milk from a dairy farm to a commercial food ingredient manufacturer in Kentucky. When the 2007 Peterbilt 379 was not on the road, Browning typically parked it at the driver's personal residence in Overton County. Each week, Browning pumped an estimated 150 gallons of department-purchased diesel fuel into the transfer tank in the back of his department-issued pickup truck and drove the fuel from the department to the 2007 Peterbilt 379,” investigators said.

Officials say Browning's actions resulted in the department “operating with less fuel in reserve and having less fuel than staff anticipated,” potentially compromising its ability to respond in the event of a natural disaster or major project.

“The Clay County Highway Department should maintain inventory records that document the receipt, use and storage of fuel,” said Auditor Mumpower. “By comparing the amount of fuel purchased with the amount consumed, the department can better identify improper use.”