Documents obtained by NBC Connecticut reveal that former Hartford Treasurer Carmen Sierra used her city purchasing card for luxury hotel stays and other expenses, totaling over $10,000. The purchases were categorized as conference expenses, but it is unclear whether they violated city policy.

Audit Underway

The city’s Internal Audit Commission is currently conducting an audit of Sierra’s purchasing card use. Sierra retired from her position earlier this month, citing personal reasons. Her attorney, Darnell Crosland, stated that all expenses were approved and in accordance with the budget.

The audit comes after police were called to Sierra’s office two days after she retired, when she returned to the building without authorization. Sierra claimed she was collecting her belongings and helping her team.

City Response

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam expressed concern over the public reporting on Sierra’s purchasing card use and stated that the city wants to ensure fiscal accountability. City Council president T.J. Clarke II released a statement encouraging everyone to allow the audit to run its course and withhold judgment until the findings are released.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.