CROWLEY, La. (NEWS 15) — A check theft scheme has cost the City of Crowley nearly $78,000, according to a report from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.
The city discovered the theft in March 2024 after completing a backlog of bank reconciliations.
The check, originally issued in September 2023 for $493.58, was stolen and altered to reflect $78,492.94. The payee was also changed.
Officials were able to recover $70,000 through a bond insurance policy related to the former city clerk. The city ultimately faced a loss of $7,999.
The audit evaluated the financial statements for the City of Crowley as of August 31, 2024. It concluded that the financial position is fairly represented.
The audit followed United States auditing standards and verified that the city’s financial statements are prepared according to accepted accounting principles.
City management is responsible for maintaining controls to prevent fraud or errors. It must also evaluate conditions that could affect the city’s financial stability.
The audit confirms that, despite the theft, the city’s overall financial health remains stable.
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