Sheriff Benison Misused $5M Greene County Bingo Fund
An audit has uncovered that Greene County Sheriff Jonathan Benison misused $5 million from the county's bingo fund. The Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts (AD-EPA) discovered the irregularities and will send its findings to State Attorney General Steve Marshall and District Attorney Gregory S. Griggers.
The misuse took place over a span of nearly six years, from October 2018 to April 2024. The audit report revealed that the funds were used for unauthorized expenses, including payments to attorneys, merchants, restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, and fellow county employees. The AD-EPA report clarifies that the bingo fund is intended for licensed nonprofit operations, not other law enforcement expenses.
Sheriff Benison is now required to repay $4.97 million, the amount deemed misused. The AD-EPA auditors have completed their investigation and will now hand over the findings to the relevant authorities for further action.
The misuse of public funds is a serious matter. The AD-EPA's report has shed light on the improper use of Greene County's bingo fund. The next steps will be determined by the State Attorney General Steve Marshall and District Attorney Gregory S. Griggers, who will review the audit findings and decide on appropriate measures.
