Oxford Audit To Be Given To State Police

The town has received an audit report concerning the ongoing investigation of money allegedly missing from the town’s Tax Collector’s office.

The details of the report have not been revealed publicly. First Selectwoman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers issued a press release last night saying the document will be given to state police today.

Tax Collector Karen Guillet was placed on paid sick leave Jan. 13 after Drayton-Rogers received an anonymous tip about the missing money.

The town has not said how much money is allegedly missing. Drayton-Rogers filed a formal, written complaint with state police Feb. 11.

Guillet hired an attorney and declined to take her sick pay.

Drayton-Rogers said she will present the audit’s findings to the Selectmen and the Board of Finance ​“at their earliest convenience.”

The Board of Finance is scheduled to meet at Town Hall at 7:30 p.m.

As of 11 a.m., Oxford Finance Director Jim Hliva, who has not seen the audit, could not say if the audit will be discussed at tonight’s meeting.

Here is the press release Drayton-Rogers issued Sunday night:

“A report from the town’s auditors concerning the tax office was sent to me over the weekend. I will present the information to the members of the Boards of Selectmen and Finance at their earliest convenience. The information in the report covers the first two quarters of the 2009/2010 fiscal year which are July 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009 and October 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009.

Since this is an open, ongoing investigation, the report will be turned over to the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Squad on Monday, February 22. The next step will be for them to examine the information in the report.

Oxford’s town counsel is reviewing the content of the town’s bonding insurance regarding the tax collector and will let Board of Selectmen know to what extend monies are recoverable by the town. In the meantime, the auditing firm of Michaud & Accavallo is requesting a third extension to complete work on the fiscal year 2008/2009 audit for the town.

Town employees are providing all reports and data requested by the firm in order to accurately reflect the actions of the tax office during that period which runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. I have only praise for the efforts of the staff in the tax office and the finance office for the cooperation they are giving to the auditors and others in this matter. It is my honest and sincere desire to complete this process which will allow the town of Oxford to move forward in providing the kind of service our residents deserve to receive from their elected and appointed officials.

This continues to be a difficult matter for the town to have to confront but one which I hope will be resolved in the very near future.”

Click here to read previous stories about the investigation.

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