NOBLE COUNTY, Ind. -- The Indiana State Board of Accounts has demanded a former county surveyor repay taxpayers $47,214.
In an audit just released, the former Noble County Surveyor Scott Zeigler is accused of making a slew of unnecessary, excessive and personal purchases with county funds.
Zeigler is accused of buying clothing, cameras, batteries, oil, tools plumbing parts, electrical parts, tools, concrete mix, and other items the SBOA considered "personal in nature."
He is also facing allegations of ghost employment for using county manpower to do personal surveys on his property in Whitley County.
Auditors noted Zeigler traveled to a conference in Indianapolis, and the county reimbursed Zeigler $255.06 twice for his hotel stay.
"Half of these meal receipts had occurred after the conference," read the report.
Zeigler issued a 20 page response to the State Board of Accounts in which he repeatedly denied that the purchases were for personal use.
Zeigler outlined responses for questionable expenses, including the purchase of a youth size hat with taxpayer money.
"I don't remember ever seeing one that was youth size, and if these hats were given to the crew, they did not mention the youth size, or maybe it just fit one of the crew," read the audit.
He agreed to repay $377.42 for "mistakes" related to lodging and training expenses as well as $98.86 related to personal cell phone usage.
The audit covers the period from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2012.
His term ended on December 31, 2012, records show.
Zeigler has not been criminally charged.
A special prosecutor has been assigned to the case, Don Shively of DeKalb County.
Call 6 Investigates called Shively on Wednesday morning, and again Wednesday afternoon at 3:53 pm, and was told Shively had left for the day.
READ | Read the entire report below, or click here
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