Welcome to Arrest Stories. A western Nebraska mayor faces multiple theft charges after a state audit allegedly uncovered misuse of city resources for personal benefit. Here's what may have happened.
Fifty-nine-year-old Paul Murrell, Mayor of Mitchell, was charged Tuesday in Scotts Bluff County Court following an investigation that began earlier this year. The charges include theft by unlawful taking valued between one thousand five hundred and four thousand nine hundred ninety-nine dollars, theft by unlawful taking of up to five hundred dollars, and public official misuse of property or funds.
According to police reports, Murrell routinely used municipal equipment, employees, and other resources for his own benefit. On June twenty-fifth, Murrell allegedly used a city-owned skid loader on the crushed red rock pavement outside his home. The investigation also revealed that on December twelfth, Murrell had the City of Mitchell deliver six loads of gravel to the Kwik Stop convenience store.
Police reports indicate Murrell sprayed the area near his driveway with a city-owned utility vehicle. When confronted about the allegations, Murrell denied them and claimed to own the utility vehicle in question. However, the audit team, working with assistance from the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff's Office and a local farm equipment supplier, confirmed that the utility vehicle was actually owned by the city.
The arrest followed an incriminating report from the Nebraska Auditors Office. In September, the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts conducted a state audit. The investigation was led by Mike Foley and the Nebraska Public Auditors Office, with investigations conducted by both the Scotts Bluff Attorney and Sheriff's Offices.
Murrell's initial bond was set at twenty thousand dollars with a ten percent provision. The charges also include willfully hindering an audit or exam and official misconduct, stemming from the comprehensive investigation into his alleged misuse of municipal resources.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.