Auditor releases report on Jonesboro finances - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

JONESBORO, La. (KNOE 8 News) - An investigative report into the town of Jonesboro has been released by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.

The report states that for the last four years, the audit for the town has been issued along with a disclaimer of opinion on Jonesboro's financial statements. 

In June 2012, a fiscal administrator was appointed to the town by the Louisiana Attorney General. The administrator resigned less than three months later. According to the Legislative Auditor's report, the "lack of progress in resolving audit findings and the resignation of the fiscal administrator," led the auditor to visit Jonesboro in October of last year.

The investigation reveals that the town of Jonesboro has not been maintaining financial records in compliance with state law.

Findings in the report include:

• Noncompliance with local government budget act
• Town improperly provided insurance and other employees benefits to ineligible individuals
• Town improperly paid retirement contributions for ineligible employees
• Personal use of town vehicle by Mayor Leslie Thompson
• Mayor failed to timely reimburse town for unused travel advances
• Town failed to remit unclaimed property to the state

Mayor Leslie Thompson says, "Most of the items in the investigative report will be discussed in court in August. Because this is an on-going matter, the town of Jonesboro will not comment further."

A spokesperson with the Attorney General's Office says, "We previously filed a Motion for Contempt and Sanctions against Mayor Leslie Thompson and Councilman LeStevic Cottonham. The Motion is currently set for hearing on April 16."

View the full report at the Legislative Auditor's website.