Confidential funds to go under Ulster comptroller’s microscope
WednesdayFebruary 2, 2011

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KINGSTON – During the last four years, over $170,000 was paid in confidential investigations by the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department.

County Comptroller Elliott Auerbach Wednesday announced he has launched a review of the funds used to pay confidential informants and purchase evidence such as narcotics, weapons or stolen property, or purchase specific information where money is paid to a confidential source.

From 2007 to 2010, the Sheriff’s Office spent $135,000 in confidential funds and the DA’s Office spent $39,000.

“We understand the value to investigators of having access to cash,” Auerbach said. “While the controls over confidential investigation accounts have different protocols than other funds, our objective will be to assess the safeguards, the authorizations and record keeping for the use of these funds and to confirm that procedures are in place to ensure that transactions are proper, contain appropriate documentation and are disbursed in compliance.”