Audit released about actions taken that led to charges, guilty plea for Cooper County clerk

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway released an audit of the Cooper County clerk that details actions taken by former clerk, Darryl Kempf, to misappropriate county funds to purchase a leased vehicle.

“There must be no tolerance for public officials who use their office for personal gain,” Galloway said. “While the details of this report are disappointing, I am pleased our audit work contributed to a thorough investigation that resulted in the former Cooper County clerk being held accountable for his actions.”

In May 2014, Kempf signed a lease on behalf of the county for the Toyota Tundra truck.

After making 28 of the 36 payments in August 2016, he reportedly asked the county for a check totaling more than $4,800 and added it with a personal check to purchase the vehicle from the Toyota lease. This was done in Cooper County’s name and later titled on Aug. 23, 2016.

Kempf admitted to only using the vehicle for business purposes about 30% of the time.

In September, Kempf resigned from his position after he pleaded guilty to stealing.

Kempf will have to pay restitution to Cooper County and the Missouri Department of Revenue.