JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (WSIL) -- A report from State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick stated a taxpayer-funded shopping spree was perpetrated by former Deputy City Clerk Leslie Osorio of Kennett. The report stated Osorio misappropriated at least $79,821, leading to a "poor" rating for the city's oversight.
Fitzpatrick stated in the report the shopping spree resulted in thousands of dollars in inappropriate purchases such as couples intimacy game, an ovulation kit, pregnancy tests and a bottle of rum.
"We have worked directly with law enforcement to ensure they have everything they need to prosecute Leslie Osorio to the fullest extent of the law because of this enormous breach of the public's trust. It's outrageous that a city employee would be able to overpay herself and her husband by tens of thousands of dollars, or that she could get away with using a city credit card to purchase hundreds of personal items, such as a 43" smart TV and the complete collection of the Madea movies on DVD. It's equally disturbing to see the city failed to have adequate oversight in place that could have prevented this egregious misuse of taxpayer funds," said Auditor Fitzpatrick. "I am encouraged that city officials have agreed with all of our recommendations and have committed to complying with them as quickly as possible. It's time for the city to regain the trust of the people of Kennett by taking every step possible to make sure nothing like this can happen again."
The report stated Osorio made personal and questionable purchases totaling $11,799 with a city-issued Walmart credit card. Included in the report were said to be purchases of food items, clothing, home décor items, personal care items, toys, games, alcohol and more.
She also paid herself and her husband more than $61,700 for unworked hours and for other reasons which were otherwise not allowed, Fitzpatrick stated in the report.
The audit found inadequate oversight by the City Council and City Clerk, the report stated.Â
For the full audit report, you can find it .
