Bradbury Exposes Fraud by Former Landscape Architect Board Administrator

Ms. Clement was indicted in Marion County District Court on multiple counts in August 2005. She was arrested following a guilty plea on April 3rd, and is now serving 19 months in prison followed by 24 months of post-prison supervision.

Secretary of State Bill Bradbury

(SALEM) - Secretary of State Bill Bradbury on Thursday released an audit report detailing fraud by former Oregon State Landscape Architect Board Administrator Leslie Clement.

"Auditing is an essential check on state government," said Bradbury, "and I'm proud of our work with the state police and the district attorney to protect the taxpayers and put an end to this fraud."

After a tip and information provided through the audits hotline led to suspected criminal activity, Secretary of State auditors initiated a joint investigation with the Oregon State Police. The investigation found that Ms. Clement misappropriated approximately $139,000 during her tenure as Administrator of the Oregon State Landscape Architect Board.

Ms. Clement received unauthorized pay, excess vacation pay, and used the Board credit card and checkbook for personal clothing, concert tickets, travel and household goods.

The Landscape Architect Board has implemented the auditors' recommendations for better internal controls on financial transactions and is taking action to recover the lost funds.

Secretary Bradbury views this not only as a successful audit investigation, but also as an assurance to taxpayers that their money is being protected, and a warning to all that fraud in government will be discovered and prosecuted.

Citizens and state employees can help by reporting fraud, waste or abuse of state resources to the confidential audits hotline at (800) 336-8218 or online at fraud.oregon.gov.