06/10/2021
State Auditor Nicole Galloway issued the statement below, following a guilty plea to federal criminal charges of wire fraud and theft by Tracey Ray, the former city clerk of the City of Center in Ralls County. A state audit found Ray had misappropriated more than $300,000 in taxpayer funds and used them to pay personal credit cards and other personal expenses.
"This is another example of how audits can help uncover wrongdoing and bring about justice for taxpayers," Auditor Galloway said. "Tracey Ray abused her position of trust to take a large amount of money from the citizens of this small community. I'm proud of the work my office did in working with local and federal law enforcement to bring about this guilty plea."
The U.S. District Court in St. Louis set sentencing for Ray for Aug. 17, 2021.
