Habitat for Humanity, Calcasieu Area Inc.

A staff accounting clerk at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in the Calcasieu Parish area stole approximately $11,000 from the housing rehabilitation organization during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2014, according to an audit report released Monday by Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera.

The audit was performed for the state auditor by the certified public accounting firm of McMullen and Mancuso of Sulphur. The name of the clerk was not disclosed in the report.

The report said because of a lack of controls over the handling of cash receipts in the store, the theft went undetected for months. The accounting clerk has been fired, and charges are being pursued. The report said the investigation is still under way.

Habitat officials are also seeking reimbursement of the stolen money through its insurance company, the report said.

Since the theft, the Calcasieu area Habitat store has adopted a more stringent policy on “cash handling controls,” the report said.

A Habitat ReStore is a non-profit home improvement store and renovation center that sells new and slightly-used furniture, housing accessories, building materials and appliances at less-than-retail prices.