DES MOINES -- A special investigation by the Iowa State Auditor's Office found more than $65,000 in collections by Vinton's Parks and Recreation Department were never deposited.

City officials asked for the investigation after learning checks were redeemed for cash at a local convenience store.

The report said Kari Cantrell, a former administrative assistant for the parks department, admitted cashing the checks. Cantrell left the department in August 2007.

Of the money that was not deposited in the department's account, close to $19,000 came from the sale of amusement and water park tickets.

More than $14,000 came from registration fees for swimming lessons and another $23,450 came from collections at the recreation center, skating and activity center and swimming pool.

State Auditor David Vaudt's report said the investigation also found cash deposits of $8,315 made to Cantrell's personal account.

More could have been made but were not identified in the investigation.

Copies of the report have been forwarded to local and state prosecutors and law enforcement officials.

Benton County Attorney Dave Thompson did not return a telephone call seeking comment Monday.

The investigation spanned the period between July 2001 and August 2007.

The auditor's report said determining whether additional money was missing prior to that was impossible.

Vaudt's report included recommendations to the parks and recreation department, including ways to strengthen its internal controls.

Contact Charlotte Eby at

515-243-0138 or

chareby@aol.com.