Kentucky County clerk charged with seven felony counts

July-27-07

Lynne Groce

Former Cumberland County Clerk Lynne Groce was arrested last month after a four-month investigation by Kentucky State Police that was triggered by a 2005 state auditors report.

Groce, 47, of Burkesville, is charged with two counts of abuse of public trust, greater than $10,000, but less than $100,000 and five counts of abuse of public trust.

Groce is charged with two counts of abuse of public trust, greater than $10,000, but less than $100,000 and five counts of abuse of public trust.

A 2005 state audit of the clerk’s office was suspicious enough to prompt a review of the 2006 records. The audit discovered that the Cumberland County Clerk’s Office had $26,244 in undeposited receipts between January 1, 2005 and August 31, 2006. Undeposited receipts consist of money that came into the Clerk’s Office but was not deposited in the Clerk’s official accounts or money owed the office that was never collected.

Of this amount, $16,536 was personally withheld by the clerk, Lynn Groce, and commingled with her personal funds. $2,528 was repaid leaving a commingled balance of $14,008. This amount is taxpayer money that should be in the Clerk’s Official accounts.

The findings were turned over to the Kentucky State Police, who made the arrest in June. She was booked at the Adair County Jail and released on bond.

Groce lost her bid for re-election last year.

 State Auditor Crit Luallen has released the audit report. See the audit report for Full Details