Although a December 2021 audit of City of Homestead Village financial records revealed theft of “at least $4,348” had occurred, city officials report there has still been no action taken by the prosecuting attorney against Homestead Village’s former city clerk.

During the latest Homestead Village Council meeting, members discussed their desire to have legal action taken against the clerk.

“We have turned all information over to the Ray County Prosecutors office, but we have not heard back from them. Many attempts have been made to contact the prosecutor, all proving ineffective,” said Alderman Fred Welch.

However, Ray County Prosecuting Attorney Camille Johnston said the council’s claim is untrue.

“No report was made by law enforcement and there is no open case. I received an auditor’s report and have not received any further contact,” Johnston told The Standard. To this statement from Johnston, Homestead Village Mayor Frank James maintains the city has indeed attempted to make contact. In the Citizens Summary filed by Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway, CPA, it was determined money was missing. “The audit identified at least $4,348 recorded sewer receipts not deposited from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020,” the summary detailed. “In addition, the former city clerk falsified her 2019 customer ledger by indicating payments occurred on her account when they had not. Based on the timing and amounts of money missing during 2018, it is likely additional money is missing in periods prior to January 2018.”

Regardless of the current lack of prosecution, James wants to prevent this incident from happening again.

“The city now has a city clerk that is trustworthy and we will be more vigilant,” he said.