April 3rd, 2026 Local News
Desloge, Mo. (KFMO) - The City of Desloge Municipal Division has made significant progress in correcting problems uncovered in a 2024 audit that revealed missing court money and weak financial oversight.
Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick released a follow-up report Thursday showing the municipal court has implemented most of the recommendations from the original audit, which had given the court the lowest possible rating of “poor.”
That earlier audit found former Court Administrator Heather Steinmetz was responsible for at least $3,886 in missing money and may have used methods to conceal another $4,482 in potentially missing funds.
According to the follow-up report, the Desloge Municipal Division worked with law enforcement to pursue criminal prosecution. That effort resulted in Steinmetz pleading guilty to felony charges and being ordered to pay $3,886 in restitution.
One of the most important changes noted in the report involves separating key financial responsibilities that had previously been handled by one person. The audit found the court has now taken steps to ensure the court administrator is no longer solely responsible for collecting receipts, recording court receipts and case activity, preparing disbursements, and completing monthly financial reports.
Fitzpatrick said those internal controls are simple but critical safeguards that help prevent one person from stealing public money without detection.
The follow-up report also found the court has implemented recommendations to better document transmitted receipts from the city and to require independent or supervisory review and approval of fee adjustments made in the court system.
However, the report says one recommendation has only been partially completed. Officials still need to fully account for the numerical sequence of receipt slip numbers.
State officials say the improvements already made are important steps toward rebuilding accountability and preventing similar issues in the future.