Audit of Calumet City finances demands FBI's attention, mayor says

CALUMET CITY, Ill. - The mayor of south suburban Calumet City said an audit of the city's finances has uncovered serious problems that demand the attention of the FBI.

Thaddeus Jones held a news conference Monday morning to release the results of a forensic audit he ordered when he became mayor last May.

Jones said the report shows serious problems with City Clerk Nyota Figg' office as well as public works and purchasing.

DOWNLOAD THE FOX 32 CHICAGO APP FOR BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

Among the findings, the audit revealed more than $1 million in traffic tickets have gone uncollected.

The mayor also said there is missing cash that was collected by the city clerk.

"The clerk failed to account for $22,000 in cash in her vault [in] 2020, 2021, and then as the auditor will explain there are other years that the clerk collected the cash, but failed to deposit that money into the city account," Jones said.

He said the audit also found city employees selling scrap for extra cash. Jones said he's insulted by the report and its findings.

The mayor and City Clerk Nyota Figgs have been feuding in recent months.

In a statement Monday afternoon, Figgs called the mayor's remarks, "the latest in a series of intimidation and bullying."

"Calumet City needs an intervention. The bullying and toxic atmosphere in the workplace is out of control," Figgs said in the statement. "I welcome an actual independent investigation in to the situation here in Calumet City. I have been in touch with law enforcement about the actions taken by the Mayor and his team."

Figgs said her office was not contacted about the audit and has not seen it.