$18K theft leads to procedures review in Webster County

Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway announced an audit to review government operations in Webster County yesterday. The move came after Billy Breitenstein, former assistant to the county clerk, took a plea deal last month and was ordered to serve five years of probation and repay $17,676 stolen via a county-issued credit card, according to a press release from the auditor.

Last week, Galloway visited Springfield to announce a bipartisan effort through Senate Bill 176 to increase penalties for government officials who steal public dollars. The bill targets public officials convicted of misconduct, and it grants authority to local prosecuting attorneys and law enforcement agencies to request the auditor’s assistance when inappropriate or illegal activity is suspected.

“This is one more in a series of examples of why law enforcement needs additional tools to ensure public servants who steal from taxpayers are held accountable for their actions Galloway said in the release, referring to the Webster County incident. “Along with additional remedies under the law, public bodies must take responsibility for putting safeguards in place to protect taxpayer resources. This upcoming audit will review whether Webster County leaders have updated procedures in county offices to ensure this type of fraud no longer occurs.” 

In addition to allowing for an audit request for local government, SB 176 increases penalties for official misconduct in the first degree from a misdemeanor to a class E felony, which carries a potential sentence of up to four years in prison. According to the release, it also gives prosecutors greater discretion based upon the severity of the alleged crime and increases the power of Missouri courts to issue orders, so stolen public dollars are recovered for their intended public use and officials abusing their powers can be removed quickly from office. 

The bill was prefiled by Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, for the legislative session beginning Jan. 4.