Durango Investigates Misappropriation of Funds

Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 9:40 AM

Editor's note: While the city has not released the name of the suspect, other published reports say the Durango Finance Director was placed on administrative leave and has since resigned.

From the City of Durango

Friday, October 18, 2019

The City is cooperating with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and other private and public entities to conduct a thorough investigation of an alleged misappropriation of City funds. The employee involved was placed on administrative leave on October 14, 2019. That person has since resigned. The operations of the City of Durango have not and will not be impaired in any way. The City has put measures in place to ensure all City functions continue to operate with existing levels of service. City Council has stated a goal to enhance the public trust, and the City is working diligently to ensure all City operations are conducted in a manner to maintain this trust. “I have full confidence in the current staff and the measures that are being put in place to protect our City assets and services going forward,” stated Melissa Youssef, Mayor of Durango. “City Council has been and will continue to be supportive of the investigation.” The ongoing investigation is expected to take time. The protection of City assets is of paramount importance. Immediate safeguards have been implemented, and additional steps have been taken to assure City funds and assets are fully protected and City services are not impacted. While the City strives for transparency, the City will not be in a position to make any further comments or provide further information during the ongoing investigation.

Editor's note: While the city has not released the name of the suspect, other published reports say the Durango Finance Director was placed on administrative leave and has since resigned.

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