Former Starke County Sheriff's Department employees accused of misusing department funds

 

STARKE COUNTY, Ind. -- Details came out of Starke County alleging that a former Sheriff's Department Employee, stole tens of thousands of dollars from the department.

This special investigative report filed in July by the Indiana State Board of Accounts, detailed allegations of misusing more than $20,000 of Starke County Sheriff's Department funds by a former employee.

In February of 2023, the State Board of Accounts received a complaint regarding the misuse of Starke Sheriff's Department Commissary Funds.

The Investigation uncovered accusations that the former jail matron camouflaged 19 payments, meant for repairs of department vehicles which totaled more than $20,000, to her personal PayPal account.

The Former employee is also accused of making unauthorized purchases with the Sheriff's Department's Amazon account.

The report names former Sheriff William Dulin as well.

Dulin is accused of misusing just under $2,000 in commissary funds for unauthorized travel for his wife, brother, and other associates.

The special investigation into this matter cost more than $40,000.

The State Board of Accounts is requesting reimbursement from both the employee and the county.

Deputy State Examiner Beth Kelley Told ABC57 News, they look for red flags when documentation is missing for an expenditure.

"We audit disbursements. We'll do a sample, and if something comes up and maybe there's no supporting documentation, or it's for an expenditure that doesn't really seem to fit the purpose of that governmental unit, that kind of raises some red flags," stated Kelley.

ABC57 Investigative Reporter Kevin Warmhold spoke on the phone with current Starke County Sheriff Jack Rosa, who confirmed that a criminal investigation is ongoing.

No charges have been filed so far.