SMYRNA, Tenn. (WGNS) - Federal court documents accuse a former Smyrna executive of stealing over $32 million from Taylor Farms Tennessee in a multi-year fraud scheme.

Taylor Fresh Foods filed the federal lawsuit at the beginning of June 2026. The civil action names former Smyrna plant President Brian Thure, his wife Julie Thure, and two others as co-defendants. Thure ran the Smyrna operation from about 2012 until March 2026.

According to reporting by KSBW in Salinas, California, where the company is headquartered, Thure used his executive authority over finances, payroll, vendors, and accounting to divert cash for personal benefit. Taylor Fresh Foods says the scheme surfaced during a 2025 IRS audit and an internal investigation. The audit revealed the fraud occurred over several years.

Court documents show Thure secretly placed his wife, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and personal employees on the Smyrna plant payroll without authorization. Personal staff put on the payroll included a chef, chauffeur, personal trainer, and handyman. Those unauthorized wages and benefits cost Taylor Farms Tennessee roughly $6 million.

The lawsuit alleges the defendants used company money for luxury purchases and personal projects. Purchases included a $5.5 million home in Hawaii, a 400-acre ranch in Humboldt County, California, and about $1 million to establish the "Brian and Julie Thure Right Tackle Endowment" at the University of California, Berkeley. Thure played football at Berkeley before playing one year in the NFL for the Washington Redskins, now known as the Washington Commanders.

The lawsuit states Thure confessed to the theft during a recorded phone call with a Taylor Farms representative on March 16th, 2026. During the call, he admitted spending company funds on gambling and women. On April 8th, 2026, Thure allegedly left a voicemail for Taylor Fresh Foods CEO Bruce Taylor apologizing for his conduct, and later acknowledged his actions in text messages to company representatives.

Taylor Fresh Foods is seeking more than $32 million in compensatory damages, restitution, punitive damages, and other relief.

DISCLAIMER: The charges and allegations referenced in this story are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.