State Auditor: Center City Clerk Misappropriated $317,000

State Auditor Nicole Galloway Wednesday released the findings of an audit of the city of Center.

The findings focused on former City Clerk Tracey Ray and her potential personal transactions paid with city funds.

The audit concluded that, between January of 2015 and July of 2019, nearly $317,000 was misappropriated from the city, with over $206,000 of city funds used to pay Ray’s personal credit card bills.

The audit also said Ray falsified financial reports and lists of bills prepared for city board meetings to help conceal the improper activities.

A whistleblower had come forward in June of 2019 regarding the city’s lack of compliance with state law for publishing financial statements.

Ray was questioned about the complaint on July 2nd and was fired by the city board the next day.

The night of July 2nd, Ray exchanged gunfire with a Ralls County Sheriff’s deputy. She was wounded and charged with assault and armed criminal action.