Financial irregularity sparks investigation by sheriff's office

By Charlene Sims, info@linncountyjournal.com

MOUND CITY – Linn County Commissioners Jim Johnson and Danny McCullough learned Monday, Dec. 16, that the Linn County Sheriff will be looking into some irregularities that the auditor found while doing the 2023 audit for the county. Commissioner Jason Hightower was absent from the meeting.

County Clerk David Lamb read a statement to the commissioners regarding a possible financial loss. The statement from consulting attorney Mark Hagen was the result of a legal executive session on Dec. 9 with Hagen, the commissioners and county auditor Rodney Burns, a certified public accountant from Chanute. 

“Last week the county-retained auditor reported to us that he discovered some financial irregularities in one of the county’s bank accounts," Lamb read. "After further investigation by the county treasurer’s office, it was felt necessary to notify the Linn County Sheriff’s Office of a possible unexplained financial loss. 

"At this time, The sheriff’s office is leading the investigation and will report their findings to the board of county commissioners and the treasurer’s office.  

"If the investigation reveals any possible criminal conduct, the sheriff’s office will forward their evidence to the Linn County Attorney for appropriate action.  The sheriff’s office, as the lead investigating agency, will be the source of information going forward until they release a report to the board and treasurer.”

The commissioners made no comment.