Columbus – A former fiscal officer issued checks totaling $33,598 to acquaintances and himself, according to an audit of the Belmont Park District released by Auditor of State Dave Yost. 

During the period of April 11, 2013 through February 4, 2014, district Fiscal Officer William Kasko issued 85 checks with no documentation to support the public purpose of the payments. 

Accounting records indicated Kasko prepared checks containing the name of vendors used by the district, but 16 checks totaling $5,074 were made payable to and endorsed by William Kasko. Another 12 checks totaling $4,444 were prepared using the names of vendors, but actually were made payable to and endorsed by Kasko with secondary endorsement by Michael Masciarelli. 

An additional 55 checks totaling $24,025 were made payable to and endorsed by Michael Masciarelli. One check for $55 was made payable to and endorsed by Toni Masciarelli. These checks included no indication that services provided were related to operations of the district. 

A review of duplicate receipt books also found money unaccounted for in the fiscal officer receipt book. In total, $3,563 of the public money collected was not deposited into a district bank account.  

Findings for recovery for public monies illegally expended are issued against the following:

• Michael Masciarelli, in the amount of $28,469;
• Toni Masciarelli, in the amount of $55; and
• The Estate of William Kasko, in the amounts of $5,074 and $3,563.

Former Fiscal Officer and Board Member William Kasko signed the checks resulting in the improper payments, therefore his estate will be jointly liable if recovery from Michael or Toni Masciarelli is not obtained. 

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.