Audit: Sheriff's office money missing in New Madrid, Stoddard counties

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri auditor released reports Tuesday indicating thousands of dollars went missing from two sheriff departments in Southeast Missouri.

Auditor Tom Schweich reviewed the sheriff offices in New Madrid and Stoddard counties. An employee in each county was fired and has been charged with stealing.

According to the auditor's office, the office manager in Stoddard County did not deposit about $15,000 recorded on 321 receipts. Johnny M. Robey Sr. is charged with a felony and, if convicted, faces up to seven years in prison. He paid back $10,000 in September. A public defender did not return a call seeking comment Tuesday.

In New Madrid County, nearly $80,000 of recorded cash receipts were not deposited between Nov. 1, 2003, and April 3, 2013, with at least another $2,900 likely missing from fees for concealed gun permits between Dec. 1, 2011, and April 3, 2013. Additional fees also could be missing.

Deputy Deborah L. Cowan is charged with a felony with a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. New Madrid County has received $45,000 in restitution. An attorney was not listed in online court records, and a phone number listed for her was disconnected.

The audits said the deputy did not maintain records to account for all fees received through concealed-carry permits. It also raised concerns surrounding a $10 fee charged for serving civil summons, subpoenas and other court orders. The funds are to go to the county treasury to be paid into the state Deputy Sheriff Salary Supplementation Fund. The audit said about 10 percent of the fees and mileage collected was turned over instead of $10 for each service.

Auditors said there had been weaknesses with internal controls.

Stoddard County Sheriff Carl Hefner said his office discovered discrepancies and that he approached the auditor's office. The department said in a response included with the audit that the sheriff has begun reviewing accounting records monthly.

The New Madrid County sheriff wrote in a response with the audit that accounting duties have been divided between office workers and that he reviews all transactions.

Arraignment in the New Madrid County case is scheduled Dec. 10. A hearing is set Dec. 4 in Stoddard County.