MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A former mental health counselor for two nonprofits was indicted after an investigation revealed he received over $17,000 in unearned wages, according to the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office.
Broderick Webster was indicted by the Shelby County Grand Jury on one count of theft of property $10,000 following the investigation.
The comptroller’s office said in a press release that Webster was working for two nonprofits at the same time — Persevere in Memphis and Eagles Nest Services in Jackson. Both nonprofits received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grant funds to run programs in West Tennessee.
An investigation was opened after the Tennessee Department of Human Resources reported suspected misappropriation of funds.
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The comptroller’s office says the investigation revealed Webster “improperly” received at least $17,239 in unearned wages and employer-paid benefits from Persevere.
Webster allegedly claimed to be working for both nonprofits simultaneously for 469 hours, also known as double-dipping.
Investigators also found, through reviewing case files for his mental health clients, that Webster did not have any documentation showing that he performed any work for Persevere.
Both nonprofits received salary reimbursements for Webster using TANF grant funds, said the comptroller’s office.