(Spencer)– A former financial assistant for the city of Spencer named in a special audit has turned herself in. 52-year-old Lavonne Bell turned herself in at the Clay county jail late Friday afternoon after a warrant for her arrest was issued. Bell was charged with theft in the 1st degree. She has since been released after posting bond. A preliminary hearing is set for March 13th in Clay County District Court.
The special audit uncovered nearly $39,000 in undeposited landfill fees and $7,000 in improper disbursements that occurred between January 1st, 2018 and June 30th, 2024. Bell was fired on June 14th, 2024, after city officials discovered the discrepancies. The City Manager at the time then requested the State Auditor’s office conduct a special investigation into the matter.
City officials say they have since implemented a number of practices and processes to prevent something similar from happening again.
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