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An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office, working in conjunction with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, has resulted in the indictment of Dmitriy Groesbeck, a former employee of the Doe Mountain Recreation Authority in Johnson County.

The nonprofit authority maintains 8,600 acres of protected mountain terrain and trails to provide public recreation opportunities. The investigation began after authority officials identified and reported questionable financial activity.

Investigators determined that Groesbeck misappropriated authority funds totaling $12,026 by transferring the money from the authority’s bank account to a personal bank account.

Groesbeck made the transfer on July 25, 2023, the evening prior to leaving employment with the authority. Groesbeck, whose wife also worked for the authority as an administrative assistant, used his wife’s computer login to make the transfer. He attempted to conceal the misappropriation by making the transfer appear to be a payment to a vendor. He also deleted the transaction from the accounting system records in an effort to hide his activity.

In August 2024, Groesbeck admitted to initiating the transfer to his bank account for his personal benefit. He claimed his wife did not know about the transaction, and he planned to repay the funds to the authority.

Based on this investigation, in November 2024, the Johnson County Grand Jury indicted Dmitriy Groesbeck on one count of theft over $10,000 but less than $60,000, and one count of official misconduct.

“This investigation offers a good reminder of the importance of safeguarding computer passwords,” said Comptroller Mumpower. “In this situation, the subject’s wife had previously shared her login information with him. Furthermore, investigators noted a printed registry of usernames and passwords in the authority’s office. Safeguarding login information reduces the risks of unauthorized access.”