News

Brown County -

State Auditor Mary Taylor released the annual single audit of Brown County today and announced a special investigation into accusations of theft in the county clerk of courts office.

“I take allegations of theft and fraud of public funds very seriously,” Taylor said. “My office is in the process of investigating this issue and working with local officials to determine if anyone has breached the public trust.  If we find that public funds are missing, we will work to bring those responsible to justice.”

Taylor says she is unable to disclose details of an on-going investigation. Investigators from the auditor’s office are working with local authorities to determine if a crime occurred.

The Ohio Auditor of State’s Office is one of the largest accounting offices in the nation.  The Office strives to ensure that all public funds are spent legally and appropriately and works aggressively to root out fraud, waste and abuse in public spending. Taylor encourages anyone suspecting fraud or misspending of public dollars to contact her office toll free at 1-866-FRAUD-OH (1-866-372-8364).

A copy of the full audit is available online at http://www.auditor.state.oh.us/AuditSearch/Reports/2007/Brown_County_05-Brown.pdf.