By By Kerry Whipple Bean – publisher
A state auditor's report on the Escambia County district attorney's office turned up problems in the worthless check unit, the report states.
Former worthless check unit coordinator Monica Watson repaid $10,259.27 after the audit was done, according to the report, because of various problems including payments being misapplied and money orders being deposited into a personal bank account.
District Attorney Steve Billy said the audit will be presented to a grand jury, but he will not present the information. No criminal charges have been filed against Watson.
According to the audit, Watson first refused to repay receipts charged to her because of problems found in the audit, but after a hearing before the state chief examiner, she made a total payment for the charges.
Among the problems resulting in financial charges to Watson: