Hawkins County, TN (WOKI) – A Hawkins County man has pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges after a Tennessee investigation uncovered misuse of funds from a statewide agricultural assistance program.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture announced that Jerry Clinton Lawson entered guilty pleas on March 23, 2026, to five counts of felony theft of property involving funds from the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, commonly known as TAEP.
According to state officials, the case stemmed from an investigation into suspected fraud involving reimbursements for agricultural equipment and facilities in Hawkins County.
Department personnel initially identified inconsistencies in reimbursement documents submitted through the program. Investigators reviewed records, invoices, photographs, and documentation related to the claimed improvements.
The investigation expanded when members of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Crime Unit and TAEP staff conducted a field verification at Lawson’s property.
Officials said equipment and facilities for which reimbursement payments had been issued could not be located during the inspection.
The investigation ultimately led to criminal charges and the recovery of taxpayer funds.
The Hawkins County Criminal Court ordered judicial diversion and deferred prosecution for Lawson, placed him on supervised probation for 11 years, and ordered him to repay $21,705 in restitution.
State officials confirmed that the restitution has been paid in full.
“TAEP provides funding to support Tennessee agriculture, and we have a responsibility to ensure those funds are used as intended,” said Commissioner Andy Holt.
Holt said the case demonstrates the importance of program oversight, field verification, and cooperation among law enforcement and government agencies.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture worked with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, the local district attorney’s office, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation during the case.
Officials said the outcome helps protect taxpayer dollars and maintain the integrity of programs designed to support Tennessee farmers and agricultural operations.
