From the Office of the District Attorney Pro Tem
In November 2020, Jessica Ventiere was appointed Lee County District Attorney Pro Tem, and requested an immediate audit by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. The audit was completed on May 14, 2021.
“After appointment, I established protocols and internal controls and procedures,” Ventiere said. “Those protocols included the request for an immediate audit by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts and an internal audit to find ways to reduce unnecessary spending within the office.
“During the course of the formal audit, examiners were given full access to all accounts, expenditures, receipts and records. Also, examiners interviewed past and present staff members. The audit had multiple findings of noncompliance, as well as impermissible expenditures of state funds from Sept. 1, 2018 to Nov. 30, 2020, prior to my appointment as District Attorney Pro Tem,” Ventiere said.
“Obviously, the results of this audit have added to an already difficult situation within the District Attorney’s Office,” she added. “As part of my commitment to upholding the integrity of the office and remaining transparent to the public, a copy of the audit has been provided to our local judges, the Alabama Attorney General, the Alabama Ethics Commission, the Alabama State Bar and the Office of Prosecution Services. The report is available to the public at www.examiners.alabama.gov under audit reports.”
“As District Attorney Pro Tem, I recognize District Attorney monies belong to our citizens, and we strive to spend responsibly and be good stewards of state funds,” Ventiere said.