Former Rhea County Nonprofit Employee Indicted for Theft

An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Reynaldo Rivera, a former maintenance technician for Rhea of Sunshine, Inc.     Rhea of Sunshine (ROS) is a nonprofit located in Dayton, Tennessee that provides programs for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. Investigators determined that Rivera used ROS funds to purchase vehicle parts for his personal use totaling at least $11,871. The investigation also reveals that Rivera misused ROS’s tax-exempt certificate when he made personal purchases. Rivera failed to pay at least $1,157 in sales taxes. Rivera admitted to purchasing vehicle parts for his personal use without the knowledge of his supervisor. He resigned from his position on January 23, 2019, prior to the start of the investigation.  The Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury reports that Reynaldo Rivera was indicted by the Rhea County Grand Jury on one count of theft over $10,000.