Nov. 30, 2006 – The V.I. Police Department has put a hold on payments to vendors while it conducts a "systemic audit" of its finances.
Police Department spokeswoman Shawna Richards said Thursday that the audit was deemed necessary after the department discovered that an employee had cashed checks belonging to other police officers.
She said that vendor payments will resume as soon as audit is complete.
According to Richards, the employee, identified in an Oct. 3 press release as 14-year-employee Ada L. Figueroa, is on paid leave while the department completes its investigation. Figueroa worked as the special assistant to the director of Fiscal and Property.
A Nov. 15 letter from Police Commissioner Elton Lewis to vendors indicates that the misappropriation of funds issue coupled with the discovery of nonstandard accounting practices in the department's fiscal office necessitated some personnel changes, as well as the complete audit.
"During this audit, we must suspend all processing of payments," he wrote.
In his Oct. 3 press release, he said the investigation brought other concerns to light. "This incident is indicative of the greater issue of checks and balances often being compromised when agencies are understaffed," he said.
Lewis added that the department "fast-tracked" the hiring of two new accountants to expedite the audit process.
Lewis asked vendors to send or fax a current statement of the Police Department's account with that business to help resolve the situation.
The commissioner apologized for the difficulties it may cause businesses.
"We value our vendors and will continue to strive to maintain good business relations with each of you," he wrote.
Vendors with questions or who need help in determining the status of their account should contact Albert W. "Bill" Elliott at 772-2171.
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
