Columbus – Auditor of State Dave Yost recognized two individuals with the Taxpayer Hero Award today at the Local Government Officials Conference (LGOC). 

“These two heroes took personal risks for the public good,” Auditor Yost said. “By sticking their necks out they helped shine the light on two huge fraud cases, and I am proud to present them with Taxpayer Hero Awards.” 

Carolyn Smith is the current Columbus City School Internal Auditor whose commitment toward finding the truth helped break open the data scrubbing case. Her cooperation was invaluable to investigators, students and the citizens of Columbus.  

Heather Winchell is a former employee of the Fairfield County Clerk of Courts Office. After noticing criminal misconduct in the office, she quit her job and turned over evidence to the Auditor of State’s Office. This sparked an investigation that led to the resignation and indictment of the former Fairfield County Clerk of Courts. 

Auditor Yost created the Taxpayer Hero Award to acknowledge state and local government officials who demonstrate initiative to cut costs and/or increase efficiency within their respective entities or to protect tax dollars and uphold the integrity of government in Ohio.

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The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,800 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