SISKIYOU COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DAILY REPORT

02/22/2012

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has completed a preliminary investigation into allegations that a misuse of public funds was perpetrated by a former local fire chief, Mr. Christopher Baker.  The case originated when the Mount Shasta Fire Protection District Board (MSFPD) contacted the Siskiyou County Auditor-Controller and reported an irregularity on a credit card statement.  After a subsequent meeting with MSFPD officials, the Auditor-Controller contacted the Sheriff’s Office and a criminal investigation was initiated.

The MSFPD is a Special District supported by public funds, which requires review of fiscal transactions by Siskiyou County officials.  The Auditor-Controller receipts the district’s revenue for deposit with the Siskiyou County Treasurer’s Office.

According to Ms. Jennie Ebejer, Auditor-Controller, her office is responsible for disbursing funds at the request of the Board of Directors of the MSFPD. The Auditor-Controller’s Office does not manage the books of the District; however, the Auditor-Controller does conduct review of financial documents submitted to the county for payment.

The MSFPD has commissioned a comprehensive financial audit to determine if further financial losses were incurred from previous years of the employee’s assignment.

According to Sheriff Jon Lopey, “Criminal embezzlement charges were recently referred to the Siskiyou County District Attorney’s Office and charges have been filed against Mr. Baker.  Mr. Baker and the MSFPD Board have cooperated fully with the investigation.  Although the investigation is continuing, SCSO determined that sufficient evidence was developed by the investigator to warrant the request to the district attorney for the criminal filing of embezzlement charges, in consultation with District Attorney Kirk Andrus.  The case still has to be adjudicated through the Siskiyiou County Superior Court.”