News Summary
An arrest warrant has been issued for Grant Frerking, a former University of Tennessee wide receiver, on charges of theft by deception related to mulch deliveries. Frerking allegedly failed to deliver prepaid mulch to multiple customers, totaling over $4,000 in alleged losses. This investigation has uncovered a pattern of unfulfilled promises and raised questions about his business practices as he simultaneously faced eviction from his residences. The case highlights ethical concerns regarding business conduct and financial responsibility.
Roswell, Georgia – An arrest warrant has been issued for Grant Frerking, a former wide receiver for the University of Tennessee, for alleged theft by deception. This allegation stems from an investigation that uncovered multiple claims against Frerking for failing to deliver mulch after accepting advance payments from several customers.
The warrant follows a joint inquiry by news organizations that identified at least nine police reports where victims reported paying Frerking for mulch deliveries that never materialized. Victims have alleged amounts totaling over $4,000 that were paid in advance without the delivery of any product. The investigation was initiated after a Roswell resident came forward, stating he paid Frerking $1,600 for pine straw mulch, which was never delivered.
Frerking’s business practices have drawn scrutiny, especially as he reportedly continued accepting payments while facing eviction from two upscale condos in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood. He was scheduled to be evicted from one residence on January 17 and from another on March 14. These developments raise questions about his financial stability and ethical practices.
As part of the investigation, Frerking has been linked to a business called Metro Mulch, which subsequently disassociated from him, clarifying that they severed all ties two years ago. Other victims have reported being similarly affected; one individual, Kevin Schaffer, described paying Frerking $700 for mulch that never reached him. Another customer, Rob Rainey, paid $600 and expressed disappointment, indicating that Frerking initially appeared trustworthy. Rainey remarked that Frerking’s explanations for delays in delivery seemed misleading as they accumulated over time.
Throughout the investigation, victims indicated that Frerking made multiple promises regarding refunds. After receiving media inquiries, some victims reported beginning to receive partial refunds, but many still await their payments. In a text message, Frerking claimed he was processing refunds and assured customers that all would be refunded within 30 days. Despite the claims, there remains a significant list of unpaid debts linked to him, totaling nearly $16,400, alongside various civil claims against him.
Frerking’s background includes a stint as a walk-on wide receiver for the University of Tennessee from 2017 to 2022, as well as a part-time consulting position with the UT football program. His venture into the mulch delivery business appears to have started after he sold a ground cover company he founded as a teenager in Atlanta, named Metro Straw, back in 2021.
Law enforcement is currently investigating whether Frerking may have engaged in similar fraudulent schemes targeting other residents. The impact of his actions has not only caused financial distress among his customers but has also raised serious ethical questions regarding his conduct since his departure from the collegiate sports world.
Frerking has reportedly indicated to authorities that he would turn himself in, although as of now, he has not been in direct contact. The investigation is ongoing, with police confirming they are actively following leads and collecting testimonies from other potential victims. This situation raises a broader discussion on the responsibilities of business owners and the implications of failing to deliver services after accepting payments.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Grant Frerking Allegations
- 11 Alive: Nurse Steals From Patients
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Nurse Arrested
- Wikipedia: Theft
- WSMV: Arrest Warrant for Frerking
- Google Search: Grant Frerking
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
