Crest Hill treasurer flags duplicate invoices and odd attachments while reviewing forensic audit

City treasurer Jamie Logue told the Crest Hill City Council on July 6 that his review of the forensic audit file (about 7,000 pages) has turned up multiple apparent duplicates and unexpected attachments that merit further examination.

Logue said he found instances where the same bill was submitted multiple times, duplicate pictures and attachments that appear unrelated to standard financial records (coupons, photos), and at least one city email with an inappropriate subject line included in the audit materials. He told council he still has roughly 200 pages left to review and will continue to report observations to the council.

Why it matters: forensic audits are intended to identify irregularities or errors in government financial operations. Logue’s preliminary observations of duplicate invoices and miscellaneous attachments could indicate administrative errors or gaps in the submittal and review process; the treasurer did not assert criminality and said he is still reviewing documents.

What was said: Logue read examples he found in the packet, including repeated invoice entries for the Crest Hill Women’s Civic League and multiple copies of the same photographs. He asked for patience as he completes the review and said he would continue to update council on his findings.

Next steps: the treasurer will finish his review and present further findings to council; staff and council asked for continued transparency. The record in the meeting is Logue’s summary of materials he has seen; council did not take immediate remedial action during the July 6 meeting.