SANTA FE, NM – Today, State Auditor Tim Keller referred the Torrance County Examination Report to law enforcement authorities and warned county officials regarding the consequences of failing to implement appropriate financial controls. The special audit, which was released on December 31, 2014, found multiple violations involving transactions that took place from January 1, 2007 through April 30, 2012 between Torrance County and CCS Construction.
“Taxpayers deserve to have confidence that public funds are being spent wisely and in a manner consistent with the law,” Auditor Keller said. “The report’s findings indicate possible criminal activity, and as such, I have referred the findings to the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office, the 7th Judicial District Attorney, and the State Police for appropriate action.”
“I am also deeply concerned about the systems, processes and financial controls Torrance County has in place to prevent these types of problems from occurring in the future,” Keller added. “It is important that the County assure the public that appropriate corrective measures have been taken and taxpayer funds are no longer at risk. If these issues are not satisfactorily addressed, the Office of the State Auditor will list the county as an “at risk” entity and take further action to ensure proper controls are established.”
The full report is available at: http://osanm.org/audit_reports/detail/9280
Information from Office of New Mexico Auditor