Investigation Results in Guilty Pleas, Recovery of Agricultural Cost-Share Funds

NASHVILLE — An investigation by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) into suspected fraud involving the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) has resulted in five felony theft-of-property guilty pleas and the recovery of $21,705 in restitution.

Jerry Clinton Lawson of Hawkins County entered guilty pleas March 23, 2026, to five counts of felony theft of property involving TAEP funds. The Hawkins County Criminal Court ordered judicial diversion and deferred prosecution, placed Lawson on supervised probation for 11 years, and ordered $21,705 in restitution. The restitution has been paid.

“TAEP provides funding to support Tennessee agriculture, and we have a responsibility to ensure those funds are used as intended,” Commissioner Andy Holt said. “This case demonstrates the importance of careful review and field verification in protecting taxpayer funds and maintaining the integrity of our agricultural assistance programs. We appreciate our partners who helped bring this investigation to a successful conclusion and recover the funds.”

The investigation began after TDA personnel identified inconsistencies in reimbursement materials submitted for agricultural equipment and facilities in Hawkins County. Department staff reviewed the submitted documents and photographs, verified the claimed improvements and examined the related invoices.

TAEP staff and TDA’s Agricultural Crime Unit conducted a field verification at the Lawson property, and found certain equipment and facilities for which reimbursement had been paid were not present.

TDA worked with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, the district attorney’s office, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to obtain the guilty pleas and recover restitution.

Translation and interpretation services for this press release are available free of charge. Please contact Kim.Doddridge@tn.gov.