MEMPHIS, TN – The first phase of an audit into the Memphis Sexual Assault Resource Center has been completed, but the investigation is ongoing.
In a letter sent to the City of Memphis, the comptroller’s office stated that the first phase of the audit focused on the state payments made to the center for sexual assault forensic exams. Officials say the auditors were able to account for the payments totaling $657,180 that were made between July 1, 2007 and March 31, 2009.
Although the letter sent to the city said it is not anticipated that any more work needs to be done, officials say there is more to do. Blake Fontenay, Director of Communications for the comptroller’s office told myEyewitnessNews.com, although the first phase is complete, there are other issues that need to be looked at before the investigation is completed. Fontenay would not give any details about the “issues” that are still being investigated.
Problems at the Memphis Sexual Assault Resource Center were brought to light after a 14 year-old girl, who Bartlett police say was raped, was turned away and told to come back later that week.
Memphis City Councilman Jim Strickland says that is when he and other council members learned of the staffing and money problems. Strickland called for an audit into the finances of the center. Shortly after, Shelby County Government took control of the Memphis Sexual Assault Resource Center.
