Hmmm... perhaps a pre-cautionary tale about dangers and consequent prosecutions with nepotism and "family" connections in government.
Former chief also being prosecuted; district ‘lacked controls’
Posted: Friday, May 13, 2016 5:00 am | Updated: 4:38 pm, Mon May 16, 2016.
SHOW LOW — Almost four years after Natalie “Tallie” Bingham (formerly Natalie Cluff) was placed on administrative leave for alleged policy violations, the former administrative manager of the Show Low Fire District was arrested, charged with embezzling almost $1.8 million of district funds.
Bingham is being prosecuted with 21 felony counts related to the embezzlement and submitting fraudulent audits.
According to Bingham, her father, former district chief Ben Owens and former assistant chief (and her then-fiance) “had no knowledge of her actions and were guilty only of trusting her.”
However, the Navajo County Attorney’s Office told The Independent that Owens is being prosecuted for conspiracy, illegally conducting an enterprise, assisting a criminal syndicate and money laundering.
Editor’s note: This statement issued by the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District following the release of the Auditor General’s report on the embezzlement case involving the former Show Low Fire District is being published unedited and in its entirety.
"The Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District is a special taxing district formed in 2014 as a result of the successful collaboration and the merger of the Lakeside, Show Low and Linden Fire Districts. TMFMD is dedicated to proactive risk reduction efforts, medical services and fire response. We value our community and the public trust we have earned. Fiscal responsibility and integrity are the cornerstones upon which we are built.
In July of 2012 the Show Low Fire District was made aware that public funds may have been stolen or otherwise misused. The staff at SLFD, led by Chief Randy Chevalier, took the information to the Fire Board who initiated an investigation by multiple third-party consultants. That investigation demonstrated significant financial issues that should be turned over to law enforcement. In August of 2012 the former SLFD employees implicated in the investigation had either retired or resigned . . .
Since the merger in 2014, TMFMD continues to work with law enforcement to see that any person who has handled public funds inappropriately is prosecuted. TMFMD has built upon the financial “best practices” instituted in SLFD.
TMFMD has added safeguards including stringent internal controls, financial policies and strict nepotism policies, etc. In the two years prior to merger SLFD received unremarkable audits indicating any financial concerns had been resolved and all public funds were accounted for. In the two years since merger, TMFMD has also received unremarkable audits.
On May 10th, 2016 the Auditor General’s office for the State of Arizona released the public report related to the investigative findings of SLFD and those former employees. We encourage members of the public to read the report located at https://www.azauditor.gov/sites/default/files/16-402_Report.pdf. Additionally, an arrest has been made and charges have been levied against those former SLFD employees implicated in the criminal investigation.
Pinetop-Lakeside removes town manager
Racette ousted by 5-2 vote
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