Grant County EDC investigates missing money

Office manager placed on leave

MOSES LAKE - Grant County Economic Development Council Office Manager Melissa Schindler was recently placed on unpaid administrative leave after money was discovered missing from the organization.

A discrepancy in funds was discovered when the council's accountant was preparing the year-end tax form for 2007, Executive Director Terry Brewer said. The accountant found the books weren't balancing like they should and called Brewer to discuss the matter.

To avoid financial difficulties, Brewer said himself and the council's board treasurer review the financial statements and the council's board is presented with a balance sheet and income statement every month for their approval, he said

"There were things that were hidden apparently from all of us, purposely hidden from us and deleted from electronic accounting files. The accountant has found more by the day."

Brewer also said he didn't know how the money was allegedly taken or over what time period.

Upon discovery, the council contacted the Grant County Sheriff's Office to conduct a criminal investigation.

A sheriff's office detective and the council's accountant are still trying to determine the exact amount of missing money, but it is believed to be "significant," Chief Deputy John Turley said on Friday.

No one has been charged in the case and the detective is still gathering information, Turley added.

Brewer confirmed Schindler was the only employee placed on administrative leave until the outcome of the investigation.

Her job duties include processing payroll, payroll taxes and quarterly taxes and managing accounts payable and accounts receivable.

She was unavailable for comment Friday afternoon.

The EDC is in the process of recovering the money and has "employee dishonesty coverage in place," wrote council Board President Robert Trask Jr. in an e-mail to board members. "While it is unfortunate that this situation has occurred, I remind you that the (council) as an organization has never been stronger."

"The past two years have been some of the most productive ever for the EDC with over 10 companies expanding or locating in our county. These companies are bringing an additional 2,000 jobs to our local communities and these local jobs pay an average yearly salary of $47,080," he wrote.

Schinder has worked for the EDC for more than two years, Brewer said.