Former chief of Cedar Grove Fire Department, Michael Browning, Jr. was indicted by the Carroll County grand jury on Monday, January 5, and booked into Carroll County Jail on charges of Theft over $10,000 and Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.
His bond is set at $10,000.
An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office led to the indictment, according to a release issued Thursday.
The investigation began after county officials discovered that the Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Department’s bank account had been closed with a negative balance.
According to investigators, Browning misappropriated at least $10,721.61 between January 2022 and April 2025 by using the department’s debit card to make unauthorized ATM withdrawals and personal purchases. The Comptroller’s Office said those purchases included gas stations, retail stores, liquor stores, restaurants, and a hotel stay, none of which benefited the department.
Investigators also found that Browning’s misuse of funds caused the department’s account to become overdrawn, resulting in $216 in overdraft fees.
Browning was terminated from his position as fire chief on April 24, 2025.
As a result of the investigation, the Carroll County Grand Jury indicted Browning on January 5, 2026, on one count of theft of property over $10,000 and one count of fraudulent use of a debit card.
“This investigation underscores the need for clear financial oversight and accountability in volunteer fire departments,” Comptroller Jason Mumpower said in the release. “Departments must separate financial duties, maintain accurate records, and require documentation for all purchases.”
Mumpower added that all volunteer fire department funds in Carroll County are now under the control of the Carroll County Mayor’s Office, a move he said should strengthen internal oversight.
