BENTON, Tenn. — The state comptroller has turned over to the Polk County District Attorney information about missing school funds at Copper Basin High School.

An investigative audit released Thursday covering January, 2006 through June, 2006, states that at least $3,367 in money collected from fundraisers such as T-shirt sales and pizza coupons cannot be accounted for. The audit states that former football and softball coach Mark Stone was responsible for collecting those funds.

Mr. Stone was fired in 2006 and is challenging the action in Polk County Chancery Court. According to court records, Mr. Stone claims he was fired because of a personality conflict with Schools Director Schools James Jones.

Neither Mr. Stone nor the office of the 10th Judicial District Attorney could be reached for comment Thursday.

Mr. Stone’s attorney, Steve Crump, said Thursday the audit is separate from the Chancery Court case. He said he hasn’t seen the audit.

“Our position is that Mark Stone has done nothing wrong,” Mr. Crump said.

See Friday’s Times Free Press for complete coverage and to read the audit.

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