Small Town, Big Scam

Employee's $30,000 Fraud Spree Exposed

A small Arizona town uncovered the risks of unmonitored government-issued employee credit cards after a city worker’s theft and fraud came to light.

The employee used a city-issued purchase card to buy professional-grade landscaping equipment, home goods, hand tools, and other items, then sold the landscaping equipment to a local businessman at suspiciously low prices. In a separate scheme, the worker misused a city fuel card to buy gas for personal vehicles.

Investigations revealed the same businessman received thousands of dollars in city public works projects directed by the employee.

The city worker faces charges of fraud, conspiracy, and theft totaling nearly $30,000 over three years. The businessman was charged with theft, trafficking in stolen goods, and conspiracy.

The city has engaged a Certified Fraud Examiner to investigate how the multi-year fraud went undetected and to recommend preventive measures.