Columbus – The former Belmont Harrison Juvenile District (Belmont County) Financial Officer overpaid herself by over $14,500, according to an audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.

“This former public official threw integrity to the wind and took advantage of her position,” Auditor Yost said.  “Taxpayers deserve better than an employee who goes behind others’ backs to take extra cookies out of the jar.”

The financial officer and executive director of the district must approve and sign all payroll information before it is processed by the Belmont County Auditor.  Auditors uncovered that, from 2007 through 2012, former Financial Officer Lorrie Jeskey signed both her name and the executive director’s name on the payroll sheets.  Although Jeskey was permitted to sign payroll information on behalf of the executive director in his absence, she was approving “other pay” for herself without approval of the executive director and board.

From 2007 through 2012, Jeskey paid herself an additional $14,645 through the course of 66 payments.  A finding for recovery was issued against Jeskey in this total amount.  On May 9, 2013, Jeskey repaid $5,417, and the remaining $9,228 was repaid on June 19, 2013.  The findings in this audit will be forwarded to the Belmont County Prosecutor.

A full copy of this audit may be accessed online.

###

The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,700 state and local government agencies.  Under the direction of Auditor Dave Yost, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government.

Contact:
Carrie Bartunek
Press Secretary
614-644-1111