Energy Efficient Schools Initiative Executive Director charged with misappropriating funds

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The man at the helm of the Energy Efficiency Schools Initiative (EESI) has been charged with theft for allegedly misappropriating funds.

According to the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office, Paul Cross, the executive director of EESI, has been charged with one count of theft over $10,000 after an investigation revealed he illegally received payment for hours not worked.

Investigators determined Cross misappropriated at least $11,130 by failing to report leave when he was not working between 2021 and 2023, the Comptroller’s Office said. Cross reportedly claimed to be working at least 210 hours of time when he was absent from work. Investigators calculated Cross was paid approximately $53 per hour during this time.

Cross reportedly admitted to investigators he was not working the hours he claimed on his timesheet because he knew he would need extra leave in the following months due to personal issues, and he knew he would not have the leave balances to cover his time off work.

Comptroller’s investigators also noted Cross used his state-issued computer for personal reasons on numerous occasions.

A criminal information was presented against Cross in Bedford County on Aug. 1, the Comptroller’s Office said.

The EESI was established in 2008 with a one-time allotment of $90 million derived from excess lottery funds, according to the Comptroller. Its purpose is to provide Tennessee public schools access to low-interest revolving loans that fund energy-efficient projects. The EESI is directed by a 12-member council and is attached to the Tennessee Department of Education.