JENNINGS — An audit of the Jeff Davis Communities Against Domestic Abuse has confirmed more than $2,000 in agency funding was used by the former director and a shelter advocate to pay personal expenses, including utility and medical bills.
Former executive director Annette Gary, 45, and shelter advocate Kristol Gotreaux, 42, both of Lake Arthur, were fired and arrested earlier this year by the Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office following an investigation into the misappropriation of funds.
Gary, who served as the executive director for nearly three years, was arrested in May on a felony theft charge after the sheriff’s office received a complaint about the misuse of funds from the board that oversees the nonprofit organization.
Detectives were provided with documents indicating that Gary used credit cards and money from the agency to pay personal expenses, including utility and medical bills, Chief Deputy Chris Ivey said.
Gotreaux was arrested in June for theft as part of the ongoing investigation into the unauthorized expenditures. Investigators found that Gotreaux had some of her personal expenses paid by Gary using CADA funds.
Agency funds are required to be used for authorized support of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and administrative and fundraising purposes.
District Attorney Michael Cassidy said Monday investigators had turned over their findings to his office Friday and he is reviewing the matter.
The Legislative Auditor’s Office was also notified of theft of funds, according to the audit.
New CADA Executive Director Janice Esthay, who has been on the job for only a week, said the board has taken steps to change its internal controls.
The board has revised its policies and procedures regarding check signing privileges and incoming bills, she said. The board will also better monitor the budget.
“Our board has always been involved, but they will be more involved than they were before,” Esthay said.
None of the money had been paid back to the agency at the conclusion of the audit report, which was completed June 27 by independent auditor Mike Gillespie and recently released by the state Legislative Auditor’s Office.
In his findings, Gillespie recommended management and the board of directors continue to work with local law enforcement to help complete the investigation. He also suggested they implement procedures to insure future payments cannot be made for unauthorized and employee personal expenses.
The unauthorized expenses occurred during 2015 and 2016, according to the audit.
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Online: www.lla.state.la.us
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