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Rock Creek Township official accused of overpaying himself, using taxpayer funds for utilities

Ex-trustee owes $30K to taxpayers, audit says
Posted at 10:57 AM, Sep 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-13 10:58:38-04

A former township trustee in Bartholomew County is accused of overpaying himself and using taxpayer money to pay for his telephone and internet expenses over a five year period. 

 

State auditors say former Rock Creek Township trustee David Buzzard misappropriated $26,294.61 in taxpayer funds between 2012 and 2016. 

 

The township office was in the trustee Buzzard’s home, however, taxpayer funds can only be used to pay up to 50% of phone and internet services that are not restricted to township business.

 

According to an audit from the State Board of Accounts, Buzzard was also reimbursed for hundreds of dollars of mileage and office supplies at taxpayer expense without providing any supporting documentation.

 

Auditors also said as a result of errors under Buzzard’s leadership, the township paid thousands of dollars in overpayments to the United States Treasury.

 

The audit requests Buzzard repay the $26,294.61 as well as $4,444.55 in special investigation costs racked up by state auditors.

 

Buzzard resigned on September 12, 2016.

 

Call 6 Investigates was unable to reach Buzzard for comment.

 

Home and cell phone numbers listed for Buzzard were both disconnected.

 

The report has been forwarded to the Bartholomew County prosecutor who will decide whether to pursue criminal charges against Buzzard.

 

Current township Marcus Speer, who took office when Buzzard resigned, told Call 6 Investigates he was aware of the audit but had no comment.

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