The Greene County Sheriff’s Office owes the State of Alabama $4,966,427.69, according to an audit released on Friday.
According to the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, Greene County Sheriff Jonathan Benison did not ensure that disbursements from proceeds of bingo operations were in compliance with the Constitution of Alabama.
Chief examiner Rachel Laurie Riddle said in an order on September 17, Benison failed to show just cause why the remaining charges in the amount of $4,966,427.69 should not be paid.
“Charges against the Official totaling $5,336,810.77 resulted from inadequate documentation of disbursements,” the audit said. “A letter was sent to the Official requesting repayment totaling $5,336,810.77. The Official failed to appear at a meeting with the Chief Examiner to show just cause as to why the amounts charged should not be repaid, but the Official did submit further evidence related to the charges. As a result, partial relief in the amount of $370,383.08 was granted, as evidenced by the Order of the Chief Examiner. The charges that remain are due and unpaid and, as a result, this report will be certified to the District Attorney and Attorney General for collection.”
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