City fires court employee tied to investigation

The two employees had been placed on administrative leave with pay after the city June 23 began an internal investigation into misappropriated court funds.

Monday’s termination follows the administrative disciplinary process conducted under the city’s merit rules, according to a statement from the city. That process is separate from the ongoing criminal investigation being conducted by the Springfield Police Department into the court discrepancy.

The city “intends to prosecute any criminal wrongdoing to the fullest extent of the law, including possible restitution,” according to the statement.

In addition to the criminal investigation, the city has hired Springfield accounting firm BKD LLP to conduct a forensic accounting examination of court records to determine the nature, extent and procedure of the missing funds.

The examiner’s findings will be used for both the administrative and criminal investigations.