Auditor General DePasquale Withdraws Past Lehigh Twp. VFRA Audits Amid Probe of Missing Funds
Auditor General DePasquale Withdraws Past Lehigh Twp. VFRA Audits Amid Probe of Missing Funds
Audit team has been assisting law enforcement investigation in Northampton County
HARRISBURG (Dec. 12, 2018) – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today said allegations of missing funds at the Lehigh Township Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association in Northampton County make it necessary for his department to withdraw past audits of the support organization and perform a new review.
“We have been working closely with law enforcement about the alleged misappropriation of funds,” DePasquale said. “While the investigation continues, it’s become very apparent that past audits based on falsified records provided must be rescinded.”
The Lehigh Township VFRA went to authorities last summer to report unauthorized spending by the group’s treasurer. The organization is legally separate from the township’s volunteer fire company, but provides support.
“My team is working with investigators to determine how much money is missing,” he said.
The last audit was released in February 2018 and examined the years of 2014 to 2016. As of Dec. 31, 2016, the VFRA had a cash balance of $87,283. The money is to be used to maintain and purchase fire equipment, training, insurance and public safety.
“I appreciate that the association’s leadership has been upfront about the need for a full accounting of the tax dollars the VFRA received,” DePasquale added.
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