Prescott named for Redkey probe (01/13/06)

Kenton W. Kircofe has been appointed special prosecutor in connection with any criminal theft charges that may be filed against former Redkey clerk-treasurer Brenda K. Adkins.

Kircofe, a deputy prosecutor in Wells County, was appointed Thursday by Jay Superior Court Judge Joel Roberts after Jay County Prosecutor Brad Burkett asked to be removed from the case. Adkins is Burkett’s sister-in-law.

An Indiana State Board of Accounts audit alleges Adkins misappropriated more than $32,000 in utility collections during 2003 and 2004.

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Adkins, who resigned in October, reimbursed the town in December for the misappropriated funds. She also reimbursed the town for more than $3,000 in finance charges that were due to delinquent payments of the town’s bills during 2003, 2004, and 2005. And she reimbursed the town for more than $4,000 to cover the cost of extra state audits.

In all she has paid back $39,535.88.

The state audit, which was sent to the prosecutor this week, also cites numerous accounting and financial problems while Adkins was in office, including water utility accounts that were delinquent as much as five years, over-spending of budgeted appropriations in a number of accounts, errors on claims, a paving contract awarded without sealed bids, and a political expenditure from town accounts.

Following the resignation of Adkins, local Democratic Party leaders appointed Sandy Kirby to serve as clerk-treasurer.[[In-content Ad]]