PORT ANGELES – The state Auditor’s Office has expanded its four-month investigation into the embezzlement of at least $1,500 in real estate excise taxes from the Clallam County Treasurer’s Office.
“We have now requested records back through January of 2006,” Auditor’s Office spokeswoman Mindy Chambers said.
“We’ve seen some things that made us think we needed to go back a little further and look at some stuff.”
Chambers would not elaborate and said she could not estimate when the investigation would be completed.
The Auditor’s Office “is just looking at records,” county Treasurer Judy Scott said Wednesday.
“We are still meeting with the state auditor. They are looking for evidence.
“They are still researching it as far as they want to go back.”
Auditor’s Office investigators in June began reviewing Treasurer’s Office receipts and other records that dated back through 2008, predicting they would complete their review by mid-July.
The results of the investigation will be forwarded to the state Attorney General’s Office for the filing of possible charges.
Former cashier
Catherine Betts, a former $45,000-a-year Treasurer’s Office cashier, was placed on unpaid administrative leave in mid-June in a move related to the investigation, Scott said at the time.
Betts resigned on June 26. She was unavailable for comment Wednesday.
Commissioner Mike Chapman said Wednesday he is not concerned about how long the investigation is taking.
“I support them going as far back as they need to go back to find out who perpetrated this crime against the citizens,” he said.
The Treasurer’s Office in 2009 will receive, record and distribute an estimated $17.9 million in government tax revenues and individuals’ payments for taxes and fees.
Authorities believe at least $1,500 was stolen but they have not said how they know that or how much more is missing.
The theft of $1,500 or more is a felony punishable by at one to 10 years in jail and a maximum $20,000 fine.
Real estate excise taxes pay for capital and major maintenance projects.
The tax is 1.78 percent in Clallam County, or $3,650 on a $200,000 home, except in Forks, where the tax is 1.53 percent.
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Staff writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-417-3536 or at paul.gottlieb@peninsuladaily news.com.
