(Washington Township/Decatur County, IN) – The Indiana State Board of Accounts (ISBA) has released a special investigation report that says former Washington Township Trustee Christian Rust and former township clerk Charity Wilder were noncompliant with state law and guidelines during their time in office between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2022, and are responsible for expenditures totaling $90,566.92.
Current Township Trustee Beverly Rivera and her office reported fraud to the ISBA in January 2023, and the state agency’s Special Investigative Unit starting looking into the allegations shortly thereafter.
As a result of the investigation, Rust was charged with $89,369.67 for unsupported medical expense reimbursement, payroll tax interest and penalties, unsupported cell phone reimbursement and special investigative costs.
He and Wilder were jointly flagged for $373.74 on a township assistance claim paid twice.
The 17-page ISBA report also shows Wilder is responsible for an $823.51 payroll overpayment.
Rivera, who took office on January 1, 2023, says she and her staff have fully cooperated with investigators since the latter started looking into the allegations nearly two years ago.
“During this time, we have learned a lot from them and how to properly operate a township office. In fact, the special investigator commended us on a job well done, not only in providing him the requested documents, internal audits and files, but also in the work we do every day to stay in compliance with all accounting and state guidelines,” Rivera said in a written statement.
“As the elected Trustee, I want our township to have faith in my office that we will comply with all guidelines and rules of compliance. I take my position very seriously and will continue to work within those guidelines the state has set forth,” Rivera added. “I look forward to a resolution for our township and taxpayers. Any funds reimbursed to the township will be returned to the appropriate accounts as approved by a vote of our township advisory board.”
The ISBA report has been forwarded to the Indiana Attorney General’s Office and Indiana State Police. In order to avoid the appearance of impropriety during the investigation, Decatur County Prosecutor Nate Harter has requested the appointment of a third-party, outside-the-jurisdiction special prosecutor to review the report and consider possible criminal charges.
The full report can be found at in.gov./SBOA and click on “audits.” The full audit report into the former trustee and clerk’s actions of non-compliance for 2019-2022 can also be found on the same link.
“The citizens of Washington Township are welcome to attend our board meetings and may also contact our office at any time with questions or concerns,” Rivera said. “Our financial records are available for public examination.”
The next Washington Township advisory board meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2025 at 5 p.m. at 1030 N. Lincoln Street, Suite 1400, in Greensburg.
The Washington Township office phone number is (812) 663-5501.
