Today’s “Accountant Behaving Badly” comes via a tip from a reader. Usually public accounting firm partners get into trouble for insider trading, participating in some elaborate fraud, or sexually harassing a subordinate. But Cherry Bekaert partner William Billips got himself into trouble for allegedly going on a rampage after getting kicked out of a Nashville pub a little before 10:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day for being disorderly.
The website Scoop Nashville reported:
As he left [the Corner Pub in Green Hills], police say security video shows him walking to an employee’s vehicle and letting the air out of a tire before he opens the fuel tank door and urinating inside the tank. Not quite done, he breaks off the fuel door and strikes the vehicle with a drill multiple times. He was identified using security camera footage and tracing his purchase to the debit card he used at the bar that night.
The damage Billips reportedly inflicted on that Corner Pub employee’s car totaled about $1,570, according to Scoop Nashville. After the repair bill was filed and the investigation was completed, a warrant was issued for Billips’ arrest. He was booked into the Metro Nashville Jail on Jan. 25 and charged with felony vandalism. He posted a $2,000 cash bond and was released, Scoop Nashville reported.
Cherry Bekaert provided us with the following statement this morning regarding Billips’ Jan. 1 meltdown:
We have been informed of an incident involving William Billips. Our Legal and People & Culture teams are working with William while this is being investigated. We cannot comment on his ongoing personal legal matters. Cherry Bekaert remains committed to providing quality services to our clients.
Billips, a tax partner who is based in Cherry Bekaert’s Nashville office, joined the firm last October, according to his LinkedIn profile. He also had stops along the way at Deloitte, Crowe, KPMG, and most recently EY.
CPA William Billips Urinates In Gas Tank Of Corner Pub Employee After Being Kicked Out Of Bar [Scoop Nashville]
Four different national firms, including 3 of the Big 4. Something tells me this isn’t this guy’s first infraction.