Law enforcement request prompts Auditor Fitzpatrick to launch audit to determine if taxpayer funds have been misused by the Bellflower Fire Protection District

An audit announced today by State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick will work to determine if taxpayer funds have been misused by a small Fire Protection District located in Montgomery County. Fitzpatrick said his office has begun an audit of the Bellflower Fire Protection District at the request of local law enforcement who raised concerns about possible inappropriate purchases and fuel cards being used to purchase fuel for personal vehicles.

Based on the request made by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, the State Auditor's Office conducted an initial review to investigate their complaints to determine their credibility. The investigation determined the complaints are credible and identified several issues that potentially constitute improper government activity.

"We appreciate the efforts of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the work they did to investigate the issues with the Bellflower Fire Protection District and bring them to our attention. Our own investigation identified potential issues with the misuse of district fuel cards as well as purchases that appear to be personal in nature. Our audit will now delve deeply into the operations of the district as we work to uncover any possible waste, fraud, or abuse," said Auditor Fitzpatrick. "Our goal is to give taxpayers a clear understanding of how their tax dollars are being used by the district and to give law enforcement the information necessary to hold district officials accountable for their actions if we identify potentially criminal misconduct."

Individuals may provide information confidentially for consideration during the audit of the Bellflower Fire Protection District to the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597, by email at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov, or by visiting www.auditor.mo.gov/hotline.

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