Audit Claims Top Revenue Official Misused State Resources, Aide’s Time

Wed., Nov. 27, 1996

Associated Press

A top official in the state Department of Revenue misused state resources, including her aide’s time, her computer and personal leave and travel benefits, a state audit contends.

Revenue Department Deputy Director Sandi Swarthout on Monday denied most of Auditor Brian Sonntag’s findings, and said she would work to clear her name.

Revenue Director Len McComb said his office was investigating the auditor’s findings, and that Swarthout will have a chance to defend herself against them. Depending on the outcome, Swarthout could be disciplined and face other sanctions, including repayment of any money owed.

Swarthout has been on paid administrative leave since Oct. 16, after the auditor’s office began looking into a complaint filed against her by an anonymous whistleblower.

Auditors said they found evidence that Swarthout used her aide, Julie Anderson, to run numerous private errands, was paid for unrecorded leave and overcharged the state for travel expenses.

The auditors said they also found evidence Swarthout used her state computers to send and receive personal messages, including 34 between May and September to Vancouver City Manager Vernon Stoner, who said he has been dating Swarthout.

The state said Swarthout acknowledged using state computers to send more than 150 personal electronic mail messages in 1995-96.

But Swarthout denied the other allegations. “I’m stunned to see the agency respond the way it has without even talking to me. I’m going to take whatever steps are necessary to clear my name,” she said Monday.

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