MUNCIE, IN — The results of an investigation by the Indiana State Board of Accounts has resulted in the dismissal of a second employee in the city’s parks and recreation department, according to a release from Mayor Dan Ridenour’s administration.
The release — issued on the afternoon of Thursday, April 16 — indicated the “special investigative report” by the State Board of Accounts had been received by city officials.
“The investigation originated in 2022, when city leadership identified concerns and immediately took action by notifying the appropriate authorities,” the release said.
As a result of an “internal review” by the administration and “subsequent findings,” an employee of the parks department was fired in September 2024.”
“A second employee has since been terminated subsequent with the release of this report,” according to the release.
Contents of the report are expected to be made public in coming days.
Thursday’s release said the report “outlines a series of deficiencies in internal controls and financial procedures spanning multiple years.”
“While the actions identified involve individual conduct, the city of Muncie recognizes the broader operational issues,” according to the release.
“From the moment concerns were identified, we acted swiftly and responsibly,” Ridenour said Thursday. “Protecting taxpayer dollars will always be a top priority for this administration.”
A related Indiana State Police investigation is apparently still being conducted.
Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman said he received a copy of the State Board of Accounts report late Thursday afternoon via email.
“I have not had a chance to read it nor speak with the investigators or auditors,” Hoffman said.
“It appears to relate to allegations concerning the unauthorized actions of two former Muncie Parks Department employees. “
Hoffman said he would review the report for ‘”any evidence of criminal activity.”
The prosecutor said he could not “comment on the specifics of pending investigations nor the identity of potential suspects.”
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: State Board of Accounts probe leads to firing of Muncie parks employee
Reporting by Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press / Muncie Star Press
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