Chase County Attorney Brian Henderson has started an investigation into financial dealings at the County Treasurer’s Office while outgoing Treasurer Dow Wilson was in office.
Chase County commissioners have been getting updates on the annual audit from accountant Cindy Jensen, and Henderson mentioned “numerous irregularities and inconsistencies” during his report in the commission meeting last week.
Henderson says the potential dollar amounts involved could be six digits.
Henderson sees the need for a forensic audit. So does Sheriff Jacob Welsh — although it will not be cheap.
Henderson says a special prosecutor may be needed, depending on the results. He says there will likely not be any additional information on this investigation until it is finished.
Commissioners approved both the funding for the forensic audit and access to financial information through Citizens State Bank dating back to 2022, saying they may revisit the requests as the investigation continues.
Wilson was elected in 2017 and lost the primary to Bernice Albers by a nearly 2-to-1 margin earlier this year. She officially takes over as Treasurer later this fall. He has not responded to a KVOE News seeking comment and information. Henderson also says Jensen has not heard from Wilson after an initial contact back in July.
