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Audit shows misappropriation of Patterson Volunteer Fire Department funds

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Posted at 8:08 AM, Feb 03, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-03 10:25:54-05

PATTERSON, La. — The 16th Judicial District Attorney's office is investigating how nearly $15,000 was taken from the Patterson Volunteer Fire Department's bank account.

According to a report released Monday morning by the legislative auditor, from January 2016 to August 2019, an officer of the department made purchases and ATM withdrawals with a debit card for that account.

Those withdrawals are believed to total approximately $14,774. Of that amount, $13,587 in purchases could not be determined to have been made for fire department operations.

The report says that the person who used the card had sole access and that reporting of fire department activities to the membership was limited.

Upon discovery, auditors say the card was frozen and the individual who allegedly made the purchases was fired.

The investigation is ongoing and the report states that no formal charges have been levied.

To date, cash and materials totaling at least $6,522 have been recovered by the volunteer fire department.

Read the audit, here.