Tivoli Theatre and Memorial Auditorium manager resigns after missing money allegations

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

photo The Tivoli Theatre on Broad Street, which hosts a variety of national touring shows and local performances, is the home of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. Staff File Photo

A longtime city manager of Tivoli Theatre and Memorial Auditorium has resigned after an internal audit uncovered misappropriation of funds.

General Manager Sandy Coulter resigned immediately last month after being confronted about the problems, said Missy Crutchfield, administrator of the Department of Arts, Education & Culture.

"I'm very disturbed by all this," Crutchfield said.

Coulter had served with the city for 32 years and been the general manager of the two venues since 2007.

City Auditor Stan Sewell said the Internal Audit Department found red flags in department writing checks to cash to themselves and then handing cash over to vendors.

It is unclear whether criminal charges will be pursued.

For more information, read tomorrow's Times Free Press.