YAKIMA — A state audit says a Yakima County employee accused earlier this year of stealing close to $8,000 actually took more than nine times that amount in vouchers intended to help participants in the county’s drug court.
The Yakima Herald-Republic reports the audit released Thursday alleges that 35-year-old Rene Prado forged more than $72,000 worth of vouchers.
Prado was arrested in February on theft charges and was released on her own recognizance.
Yakima County sheriff’s deputies had investigated 54 vouchers totaling about $8,000 that Prado allegedly issued to people who were not participants in the drug court. The state auditor’s office took over the case and conducted a more extensive investigation.
Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney Joe Brusic says he will determine whether additional charges are possible.
Prado has since resigned.
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