HAWKINS COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The former treasurer of the Lake View Fire Department (LVFD) in Hawkins County was indicted after she allegedly deposited at least $26,000 of department funds into her personal bank account.

According to Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Jason Mumpower, his office indicted Peggy Long on one count of theft of property $10,000 or more but less than $60,000.

Long’s indictment comes after an investigation that began when LVFD officers reported “suspicious financial activity,” a release from the comptroller states.

The investigation found Long had written seven unauthorized checks to herself between the months of January and March 2025. Those checks reportedly totaled at least $26,000.

Long allegedly deposited the check into her own personal bank account and used “vague or misleading memo lines.”

The release states that Long told investigators the checks were for her own personal use, not LVFD expenses.

Long was removed as treasurer on June 16. According to the comptroller’s office, she deposited a check for $26,000 from her personal funds to the fire department’s account on July 28 to reimburse the LVFD.

The Hawkins County Grand Jury indicted Long on Monday.

“Volunteer fire departments play a vital role in protecting communities, and they must maintain sound financial oversight,” Mumpower stated in the release. “These organizations are often trusted with public and donated funds, and their officers must ensure those funds are safeguarded by requiring dual signatures on checks and properly segregating financial duties.”

The complete investigation can be read online.