Columbus – A former Steubenville finance officer is accused of collecting public money but never depositing it into the city’s bank accounts, according to an audit of the City of Steubenville (Jefferson County) released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.

Former Finance Officer Christine Cooper was responsible for collecting and depositing money on behalf of the City of Steubenville.  Upon noticing missing public money that was received but not deposited, city officials contacted police to file a report.  A police investigation found that Cooper accepted income tax payments from citizens but never receipted the payments nor deposited the funds in the city’s bank accounts.  Cooper also is suspected of taking public funds out of the city’s income tax box.  The police investigation determined that a total amount of $3,538 was missing from the City of Steubenville.

A finding for recovery in the amount of $3,538 was issued against Cooper.  The audit findings were forwarded to the Steubenville City Law Director.

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