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Police probe misuse of libary funds

By Caroline Trowbridge - | Apr 23, 2003

The director of the Tonganoxie Public Library has resigned, in the wake of a police investigation into alleged misuse of library funds.

Tonganoxie police Sgt. John Putthoff said he began an investigation into the misuse of public funds at the library on April 10, after library board members contacted him.

“At the present, we’re looking at a dollar amount of under $5,000,” Putthoff said.

That amount could change, he said, after an auditor combs the library’s books. Once the auditor completes a review of the books, Putthoff said, police will forward a completed report to the Leavenworth County attorney’s office for determination of whether to file criminal charges.

“As far as my investigation, I’m waiting on the auditors right now,” Putthoff said.

Director Beckie Borella, 44, who had been library director since October 1997, resigned about 10 days ago, according to Mike Crow city attorney.

“All I can say about the situation at the library is that Beckie resigned,” Crow said.

Shane Krull, city administrator, referred all questions about the library to Crow.

So far, Putthoff said, the investigation has uncovered misuse of a credit card. He said he’s not certain whether any other library funds were misused.

Putthoff declined to discuss the types of items purchased with the credit card until his investigation is complete.

No arrests have been made in the case, he said.

“That will be up to the county attorney,” Putthoff said.