Federal probe underway as whistleblowers expose millions in missing vehicles, cash at St. Louis tow lot – KSDK
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ST. LOUIS, Missouri — Federal prosecutors are investigating the St. Louis City Tow Lot after whistleblowers revealed systemic corruption, including millions of dollars in missing vehicles and tens of thousands in unaccounted cash.
A city audit released in March found that 568 of 1,133 vehicles — with an estimated value of nearly $5 million — were missing from inventory. Additionally, more than $80,000 in cash was unaccounted for, while 33% of tow tickets were either missing, incomplete or showed incorrect amounts.
Four years after initial complaints surfaced in a 5 On Your Side I-Team expose, the dysfunctional accounting systems were never addressed, according to former employees who faced retaliation for speaking out.
Angelica Woods, who worked for the city for 23 years, was awarded $257,000 in damages by a federal jury after court records showed she was terminated by the former Streets Department director for discussing concerns with local media.
“Because a lot of cash was being taken under the table here. It was a lot of corruption within the city,” Woods said about her decision to come forward despite risking her position.
Two additional former tow lot employees have now stepped forward with similar allegations spanning from 2020 to 2023.
“A lot of the employees was taking the cars and benefiting for themselves,” said George Hooker, a 14-year city employee who previously served as the tow lot’s auctioneer.
Hooker claims he signed papers to become a government whistleblower but still faced consequences. “They promised me that I was protected under it, but I still got moved,” he said.
According to Hooker, the mayor’s former Streets Director Betherny Williams transferred him to the refuse division and buried him in difficult work assignments after he raised concerns: “Betherny is the one that transferred me. She transferred me because I was complaining to her about what was going on down here.”
A third whistleblower, who briefly served as commissioner of the tow lot, reported similar treatment. “Once I started ruffling feathers, they got me out of there pretty quickly,” James Mundy said.
City Comptroller Donna Baringer has forwarded the audit findings and additional evidence to federal prosecutors.
“That’s what happens when you get caught with your hand in the cookie jar,” Hooker said.
Mayor Cara Spencer responded to the situation, stating, “This audit, which was quietly released in March, should not have been swept under the rug.”
The audit recommends converting from cash payments at the tow lot window to online payments and implementing a digital system to track all records.
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This article was autogenerated from a news feed from CDO TIMES selected high quality news and research sources. There was no editorial review conducted beyond that by CDO TIMES staff. Need help with any of the topics in our articles? Schedule your free CDO TIMES Tech Navigator call today to stay ahead of the curve and gain insider advantages to propel your business!
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ST. LOUIS, Missouri — Federal prosecutors are investigating the St. Louis City Tow Lot after whistleblowers revealed systemic corruption, including millions of dollars in missing vehicles and tens of thousands in unaccounted cash.
A city audit released in March found that 568 of 1,133 vehicles — with an estimated value of nearly $5 million — were missing from inventory. Additionally, more than $80,000 in cash was unaccounted for, while 33% of tow tickets were either missing, incomplete or showed incorrect amounts.
Four years after initial complaints surfaced in a 5 On Your Side I-Team expose, the dysfunctional accounting systems were never addressed, according to former employees who faced retaliation for speaking out.
Angelica Woods, who worked for the city for 23 years, was awarded $257,000 in damages by a federal jury after court records showed she was terminated by the former Streets Department director for discussing concerns with local media.
“Because a lot of cash was being taken under the table here. It was a lot of corruption within the city,” Woods said about her decision to come forward despite risking her position.
Two additional former tow lot employees have now stepped forward with similar allegations spanning from 2020 to 2023.
“A lot of the employees was taking the cars and benefiting for themselves,” said George Hooker, a 14-year city employee who previously served as the tow lot’s auctioneer.
Hooker claims he signed papers to become a government whistleblower but still faced consequences. “They promised me that I was protected under it, but I still got moved,” he said.
According to Hooker, the mayor’s former Streets Director Betherny Williams transferred him to the refuse division and buried him in difficult work assignments after he raised concerns: “Betherny is the one that transferred me. She transferred me because I was complaining to her about what was going on down here.”
A third whistleblower, who briefly served as commissioner of the tow lot, reported similar treatment. “Once I started ruffling feathers, they got me out of there pretty quickly,” James Mundy said.
City Comptroller Donna Baringer has forwarded the audit findings and additional evidence to federal prosecutors.
“That’s what happens when you get caught with your hand in the cookie jar,” Hooker said.
Mayor Cara Spencer responded to the situation, stating, “This audit, which was quietly released in March, should not have been swept under the rug.”
The audit recommends converting from cash payments at the tow lot window to online payments and implementing a digital system to track all records.
source
This article was autogenerated from a news feed from CDO TIMES selected high quality news and research sources. There was no editorial review conducted beyond that by CDO TIMES staff. Need help with any of the topics in our articles? Schedule your free CDO TIMES Tech Navigator call today to stay ahead of the curve and gain insider advantages to propel your business!
