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Public raises concerns after State Board of Accounts finds commissary fund non‑compliance; chief deputy responds
Summary
A State Board of Accounts special investigation found non‑compliance in the Dubois County sheriff’s commissary fund; a resident urged the sheriff’s resignation and the sheriff’s office disputed malicious intent and explained local customs and past action on a proposed resolution.
A special investigation by the Indiana State Board of Accounts covering Jan. 1, 2019, through Dec. 31, 2023, found the Dubois County Sheriff’s Department non‑compliant with Indiana Code 36‑8‑10‑21(d)(9) for travel expenses paid for the sheriff’s wife ($8,852.95) and for gifts and gift cards to department employees ($7,921.76), according to public comment at the Dubois County Council meeting on Aug. 14. The sheriff reimbursed the commissary fund $16,774.71 and the report was forwarded to the Indiana Attorney General and the local prosecuting attorney.
Alice Garland, who identified herself as a concerned citizen during the public comment period, asked whether audits are conducted annually, why earlier travel was not caught, whether the sheriff needed council approval for such expenses, and whether the sheriff could have deputized his wife to justify travel. Garland said the incident “looks unfavorable and negatively on the County” and said the sheriff should resign.
Chief Deputy Jesus Monarrez responded to the council and public, saying there is not a formal ceremony to deputize a special deputy and that deputizations are done at the sheriff’s discretion. Monarrez said the sheriff’s office had requested adoption of a resolution in 2020 to permit such expenses, but that the resolution was pulled and never presented for passage. He said the department believes commissary funds are not taxpayer funds and may be used for employee retention, recruitment and appreciation; he added that the expenses were not incurred maliciously and that it is customary in other counties for spouses to attend conferences and association training.
Council member Meredith Voegerl countered that commissary funds are public monies. Member Ryan Craig noted the taxpayers can be affected when commissary funds are used for non‑commissary purchases and the county must cover department needs. The meeting record does not show formal council action on the audit findings; the transcript notes the report was forwarded to state and local prosecutors.
