06/05/2023 - Jefferson City, MO
As the result of a
Whistleblower Hotline website submission that raised concerns about possible
fraudulent activity, Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick today announced
an audit of the City of Desloge Municipal Court, located in St. Francois
County.
"The whistleblower submission
brought to our attention the possibility of funds being embezzled from the
court system and our initial investigation found these concerns to be credible.
Our goal with the audit is to get answers for taxpayers and root out any waste,
fraud, or abuse that may exist within the city's municipal court. The people of
Desloge deserve a court that has proper oversight and conducts its business in
a fair and just manner," said Auditor Fitzpatrick.
The State Auditor's Office was
contacted through the Whistleblower Hotline in October of 2022. The website
submission raised concerns about the former court clerk misappropriating
payments for fines within the municipal court. The State Auditor's Office
investigated the concerns and found them to be credible. An audit team will now
formally launch an audit of the City of Desloge Municipal Court.
Fitzpatrick added, "This
audit highlights the importance of the Whistleblower Hotline as a tool
Missourians can use to help my office ensure accountability and transparency
from taxpayer-funded organizations and programs. As the state's official
taxpayer watchdog, the State Auditor's Office is committed to working with
Missouri taxpayers to make sure government is using public funds
appropriately."
Individuals may
provide confidential information for consideration during the audit to the
State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597, by email at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or by visiting www.auditor.mo.gov/hotline.