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Citizen presses council after state audit finds unauthorized sheriff commissary spending
Summary
A State Board of Accounts Special Compliance Report found Dubois County Sheriff’s commissary funds used for travel and employee gifts; the sheriff reimbursed $16,774.71 and the report was forwarded to the Indiana Attorney General and local prosecutor, county officials said during public comment.
Alice Garland, a concerned citizen, urged the Dubois County Council on Aug. 14 to answer questions after a State Board of Accounts Special Compliance Report found the Dubois County Sheriff’s Department non‑compliant with Indiana Code 36‑8‑10‑21(d)(9).
The report covered Jan. 1, 2019 through Dec. 31, 2023 and identified $8,852.95 in travel expenses paid for the sheriff’s wife and $7,921.76 in gifts and gift cards to department employees that the audit said were not approved by the Council. The transcript states Sheriff Tom Kleinhelter reimbursed the commissary fund $16,774.71 and the report was forwarded to the Office of the Indiana Attorney General and the local prosecuting attorney.
"Would this issue have been brought to light had the audit not been conducted?" Garland asked, pressing the council for clarity on audit timing and internal approvals.
Chief Deputy Jesus Monarrez responded on behalf of the sheriff’s office, saying, "There is not a formal ceremony to deputize a special deputy. It is done at the discretion of the Sheriff," and that, in 2020, a resolution to permit similar expenditures was requested but subsequently pulled and never presented for passage. Monarrez said the department views commissary funds as distinct from taxpayer funds and uses them for "retention, recruitment and appreciation," and that the expenses were not incurred maliciously. He also said it is customary in some counties for spouses to attend conferences and training held by the Sheriff’s Association.
Council Member Meredith I. Voegerl said she disagreed with the department’s view and stated commissary funds are public monies. Member Ryan Craig warned taxpayers can be affected when commissary funds are redirected and tax funds must cover department needs instead.
The council did not take formal disciplinary action during the meeting. The State Board of Accounts report and the forwarding of the matter to the Indiana Attorney General and the local prosecutor were noted during public comment; no additional investigative or supervisory steps were announced at the meeting.
The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23, 2024; the Property Tax Abatement Committee will meet Aug. 23, 2024, and several budget hearings are scheduled for October ahead of budget adoption on Oct. 28, 2024.
