Columbus – A former fiscal officer used public funds for mortgage payments and college tuition, according to a special audit of the Clermont County Central Joint Fire-EMS District released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.  

“Cheating the taxpayers is bad,” Auditor Yost said. “Cheating our first responders is even worse.” 

On September 26, 2013, the district notified the Auditor of State’s office of alleged theft involving the former fiscal officer, Roxanne Yaussy. A preliminary examination of documents provided by the district discovered that voided checks that cleared the bank were made payable to Yaussy. On November 1, 2013, the Auditor of State’s office initiated a special audit. 

The special audit reviewed the district’s Uniform Accounting Network and found that Yaussy issued five checks, totaling $22,829, to unauthorized vendors including a mortgage loan service company and the university Yaussy attended. Yaussy also issued 66 checks to herself with no supporting documentation, totaling $66,017. 

In addition to unauthorized checks, the special audit found that Yaussy overpaid herself by a total of $3,579 from 2010 through her resignation in 2013. A finding for recovery has been issued against Yaussy in the amount of $92,425. 

On February 13, 2014, Yaussy was indicted on a criminal charge of theft in office. 

A full copy of this audit may be accessed online.

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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