Concerns lead to Missouri public safety administration audit

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – The Missouri Public Safety Director’s Office will be audited after an internal review raised red flags about use of taxpayer money.

Auditor Nicole Galloway on Tuesday agreed to review the office. Both Gov. Mike Parson and new Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten requested the audit.

Karsten had asked for an internal review after Parson appointed her at the end of August. Karsten says the internal review raised concerns that merit a more in-depth investigation of past administration practices.

Karsten took over after former director Drew Juden resigned in August. It wasn’t immediately clear why Juden was leaving the position.

Juden was appointed by Parson’s predecessor, former Gov. Eric Greitens. Greitens resigned amid political and personal scandal in June.