Vermont’s state auditor told lawmakers Tuesday that a key to stopping embezzlers is letting people who have access to public cash know that they’re being watched. He wants towns, agencies and non-profits required to complete a checklist of internal cash controls and to certify it.
CPA Don Keelan of Arlington, who testified along with Salmon, says there have been at least 10 incidents of embezzlement in Vermont in the last five years, totaling $3 million.
Also appearing before the House Government Operations committee was Thomas Hughes, of Milton, who served prison time for embezzling and is now working with the Vermont Municipal Advisory Committee. He says would-be thieves will think twice if they think someone’s keeping tabs.