(Des Moines) Auditor of State Rob Sand today (Tuesday) released a report on a special investigation of the Lucas County Public Health Department for the period April 1, 2018, through January 31, 2023. The special investigation was requested by County officials because of concerns regarding certain financial transactions processed by the former Office Administrator, Samantha Schumann.
Sand reported the special investigation identified $52,589.61 of improper disbursements and $2,143.47 unsupported disbursements. Because sufficient records were not available, it was not possible to determine if some disbursements were paid by the Department and the nature of some of the disbursements. The amount identified includes $29,384.30 in improper gift card purchases and fees from Hy-Vee, $21,624.03 in other improper non-gift card purchases and taxes, $2,143.47 in unsupported Hy-Vee purchases, and $1,581.28 in improper purchases from Office Depot.
The report includes recommendations to strengthen the Department’s internal controls and operations, such as reviewing payment supporting documentation before payments issued, maintaining supporting documentation, and maintaining adequate financial records. The report also includes a recommendation regarding provision of proper oversight by Lucas County officials and Public Health Department members.
Copies of this report have been filed with the Lucas County Attorney’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Division of Criminal Investigation. A copy of the report is available for review on the Auditor of State’s website at Special Interest Reports.
