STON Co  PRESS RELEASE  ABAM  HOUSTON COUNTY COMMISSION  For Immediate Release July 1,2024  BRANDON SHOUPE CHAIRMAN CURTIS HARVEY DISTRICTICOMMISIONER TRACY ADAMS DSTRICTZCOMMISIONEK RICKYHERRING DISTRICT3COMMISIONER JAMESIVEY  On June 28th, the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts released a Special Report on the Cottonwood Ambulance and Rescue Squad. This report identified $847,539.91 in ineligible and/or undocumented purchases or cash withdrawals from the restricted funds of that Rescue Squad. Among the findings were undocumented cash withdrawals totaling $139,523.64, and payments to various vendors without proper documentation, including payments to an online casino. Following the examination, the state's Chief Examiner determined that evidence had been provided to constitute just cause for relieving charges in the amount  of$692,531.81,  that must  leaving $155,008.10  bei repaid by the organization's  President, Ricky Stokes, to the Cottonwood Rescue Squad.  The Houston County Commission has maintained a firm stance since the inception of this investigation that such instances of misuse of public finances have no place in our community. The misuse oftaxpayer funds, intended to ensure the safety and well- being of our citizens, is wholly unacceptable and deeply concerning. As part oft the standard procedure, it is our understanding that the State Examiners have certified the report, and these findings will be forwarded to the Attorney General of Alabama. In the interim, the Houston County Commission will consult with its legal counsel and the EMS Association to determine the appropriate course ofa action  PETER B. COVERT CHIEF ADMINSTRATVEORFICEK  moving forward. / 7 - D. Brandon Shoupe Chairman  P.O. DRAWER 6406 DOTHAN, ALABAMA: 36302 (PHONB,34674740 (FAX) 334.794.6633 WWW.HOUSTONCOUNTYALGOV