Ex-food bank official accused of $20,000 theft

CEDAR CITY (AP) — A former food bank official has been accused of stealing at least $20,000 from Iron County Care and Share.

Veronica Garner-Wilson has been charged with one second-degree felony count of theft and four third-degree felony counts of forgery.

Food bank Chairman Lyman Munford said discrepancies surfaced in an audit.

Cedar City Police Detective Sgt. Jerry Womack said the actual amount of allegedly misused funds is still under investigation.

Officials allege she took money from an account that is set up to receive refunds for the amount of sales tax that donors pay on food before they donate it.

The organization houses the homeless and provides food for needy people across Iron County.

The organization, which relies on donations, has taken steps like requiring two signatures on every check to ensure money is being spent at intended. "We have taken what we feel are corrective measures," Munford said.

"In spite of what has happened, the need is not any less," Munford said.