Louisiana Legislative Auditor
Daryl G. Purpera, CPA, CFE

January 11, 2016

Former Pearl River Utility Clerk Took More Than $4,000 in Utility Payments for Personal Use

A former utility clerk in the town of Pearl River admitted to taking more than $4,000 in customer payments for her own personal use between January 2014 and August 2015, according to an investigative audit released Monday by Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera.

According to LLA investigators, $26,730 in utility payment transactions were recorded in the town’s utility system but not deposited into the bank. As a result, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office questioned Crystal Folse, the former utility clerk, about the missing money. Folse admitted to taking the collections for her own personal use, and her employment with the town was terminated in September 2015.

The state auditor’s report outlined seven recommendations for the town to follow moving forward to prevent more of these thefts from occurring. David McQueen, mayor of the east St. Tammany Parish town, wrote in his response to the report that, “The town intends to fully pursue those charges (against Folse) and seek restitution.”

“My administration inherited many practices and procedures implemented by the prior administration and which were in place for a long time,” the letter continued, with McQueen saying he has been working to undo improper practices and procedures in the town. A May 2014 LLA investigative audit of Pearl River contained 10 findings in town government. As a result of that investigation, former mayor James Lavigne and former town clerk Dianne Bennett Hollie were indicted by a grand jury. Last year, both pleaded guilty to charges filed against them.

For more information contact:

Legislative Auditor
225.339.3800



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