A Longtime Surgoinsville Water Utility Board Member Facing Theft Charges Has Stepped Down. 77 Year Old Hanes Cooper Unexpectedly Gave His Resignation Yesterday. In A Letter, He Cited Health Reasons And Unforeseen Circumstances As The Reason. Cooper Is Awaiting Trial In The Alleged Theft Of 65-Thousand Dollars From The Water Utility. He’s Charged With Money Laundering, Official Misconduct, Theft And Forgery Over 10-Thousand, And Conspiracy To Commit Theft And Forgery Over 10-Thousand. His Trial Date Is Scheduled For April 30th In Hawkins County Circuit Court.