Former Chief Police Pilot indicted for theft in Jackson

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A former Chief Pilot of the Jackson Police Aviation Unit in Tennessee has been indicted for theft after he allegedly clocked times that he did not work, improperly receiving over $29,000.

Terry Hopper was indicted on one count of theft of property over $10,000 by the Madison County Grand Jury last month.

According to the Tennessee Comptroller's Office, Hopper was traveling to Millington to work for a private business instead of training for an advanced aviation certification at a neighboring law enforcement agency back in 2020.

Reports state between May 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022, Hopper was paid at least $29,499.07 in unearned wages and employer-paid benefits.

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During the investigation, investigators say the City of Jackson paid Hopper for 780.25 regular hours and 32 overtime hours when he was not at his assigned work location. Hopper received $23,146.89 worth of unearned wages and $6,352.18 worth of unearned payroll benefits.

Officials also say Hopper took advantage of his assigned City of Jackson-owned vehicle by fueling it on days he claimed to working but was not.

Hopper retired from the Jackson Police Department on November 16, 2022.

"Employers should do their best to verify that employees are present at their assigned work location each day," said Comptroller Mumpower. "Failure to do so increases the risk that errors or intentional misappropriations will occur and remain undetected."