**Audit Reveals DeSoto Crime Stoppers Wasted $400K Without Issuing Rewards**
DeSoto, TX — A recent audit has raised serious questions about the management of the DeSoto Crime Stoppers program, revealing that the organization reportedly squandered $400,000 over several years without distributing any rewards for tips leading to arrests or crime resolutions.
The findings, presented during a local council meeting, have ignited outrage among community members who expected their contributions towards the program to foster a safer environment. The audit highlighted a concerning lack of accountability and transparency in how funds were allocated and spent.
According to the report, the Crime Stoppers organization, which aims to encourage citizens to report criminal activity, had accumulated donations and budget funding intended to incentivize community engagement through cash rewards. However, auditors found no record of rewards being distributed during the audit period, raising alarms about the management practices within the organization.
Local officials expressed their dismay at the audit’s findings, with Mayor Pro Tem Sylvia Cedillo stating, “This is a significant breach of trust. Our community contributes to these programs hoping to see a tangible impact on crime rates, but instead, we find a substantial waste of resources.”
Community members echoed that sentiment, calling for increased oversight and changes to the program’s leadership. Many voiced concerns about the implications this wasted funding could have on future police-community partnerships in the fight against crime.
The DeSoto City Council plans to meet later this week to discuss the implications of the audit and recommend actionable steps to restore community trust and ensure that funds are used appropriately moving forward. As the spotlight continues to shine on this mismanagement, residents are left questioning the effectiveness of Crime Stoppers in their city.
