Columbus – A total of $1,700 was found missing from the Village of Leetonia (Columbiana County) Water Lab, according to an audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.  Former Leetonia Water Lab Assistant Juanita Grant was recently arraigned on a theft charge related to the missing funds.

“This appears to be a classic case of an employee caught with her hand in the cookie jar,” Auditor Yost said.  “I’m glad Leetonia officials put controls in place to prevent this type of abuse from occurring again.”

Former Lab Assistant Juanita Grant collected money for tests to be performed on water samples brought to the lab.  A test of the water lab receipts from January 1, 2010 through February 29, 2012 found 95 instances totaling $1,700 where money was collected by Grant, but not deposited to the village.  A finding for recovery in the amount of $1,700 for public monies collected, but not accounted for, was issued against Grant.

Grant made three installments to the village to repay the finding for recovery in its entirety.

Juanita Grant was arraigned on a charge of theft at the Columbiana County Court of Common Pleas on June 14, 2012 where she entered a plea of “not guilty.”  She is scheduled for pre-trial on August 24.

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 5,600 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