News

Newman: No criminal charges in Polk elections director's credit card use

By Bill Moss, Published: October 21, 2014

District Attorney Greg Newman has recommended no criminal investigation of former Polk County Board of Elections director Tracey Waters for using a county credit card for $2,000 personal purposes after she resigned and made restitution.

"After meeting with Polk County Manager, Marche Pittman, and Polk County Attorney, Janna Berg, I am satisfied that the matter has been handled properly by Polk County and that Ms. Waters' resignation from her post as elections director is a wise decision, " Newman said in a statement. "Since the taxpayers of Polk County have been reimbursed, I do not feel that a criminal investigation is necessary and that is why I did not refer the matter to Polk County Sheriff, Donald Hill. I concluded, after reviewing the facts, that this case is more a personnel than a criminal matter and the issues with Ms. Waters have been resolved in Polk County's favor."

Waters, hired as director of the Polk County Board of Elections in February of this year, resigned in August after it was learned that she used a Polk County issued credit card for personal purchases.