Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 274, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 November 1920 — STARKE COUNTY OFFICER SHORT [ARTICLE]

STARKE COUNTY OFFICER SHORT

DISCREPANCIES AMOUNTING TO *,231.18 REVEALED IN , EXAMINATION. > - Discrepancies amounting to |B,231.15 in the funds in the hands of John L. Kesler, treasurer of Starke county, have found by field examiners of the state board of accounts. It is understood x that the report may be certified to the next session of the -grand jury for investigation. Knox is the cdunty seat of Starke county. The condition of the office of the county treasurer is disclosed in a report covering the affairs of the office frdm January 1, 1919, to July 21, 1920, which was made by the field examiners. Copies of the report have been filed with Fred Kingman of San Pierre, who is dreuident of the board of county cpmmiasioners, and with Mr, Kesler. The report shows that the total fund charged to the treasurer are 168,443.16, and that on July 21 the total credits of the official were $61,193.61, malting the emount required to balance the account $7,250.10. To the amount necessary to balance the funds of the treasurer, the examiners added 6 per cent, amounting to $581.05, and a technical charge of $450. \ The funds which were credited to the treasurer included $60,216.91 on- deposit, $912.38 in cash on hand and $64.32 in erroneous charges, making a total of $61,193.61. The charge of $450 against Mr. Frazer, one of the examiners, wm for maintaining a temporary office at North Judson for the collection of taxes. This item was included in the report because there is no record of an appropriation for the office. It is understood that Mr. Kesler has made up about $2;000 of the funds charged against him by the state board of accounts and W hte bondsmen are ready to make good the remainder of the money. The report shows that Mr. Kesler is, under a SIOO,OOO personal bond. Charles S. Linden, attorney at Knox, is said to representing Mr. Kesler and his bondsmen in making adjustments with the accounta board., - Mr. Kesler’s term of office will expire January 1, 1921.