A Navajo County employee has been arrested for allegedly using a company credit card to make personal purchases. Leann Baker, 54, of Holbrook worked in the Buildings and Grounds Department when, during a routine review of department expenses, Navajo County officials discovered the unusual charges and Baker was put on administrative leave pending a full investigation by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO). After conducting an initial review of the incident, Baker was terminated and arrested for theft and misuse of public funds. NCSO investigators discovered that Baker appears to have utilized more than $4,000 for personal items. Baker allegedly purchased the items with her Navajo County issued credit card and hid the charges by making fraudulent entries or charging items to other departments in the internal accounting program. Navajo County has also reached out to the Arizona Auditor General’s Office to assist with the investigation. “We sincerely regret that a county employee has apparently broken the public trust and we are not taking this matter lightly,” County Manager Glenn Kephart said. “Our organization has taken immediate and proper actions to address this incident, and we will ensure this investigation is thorough, objective and transparent. We are grateful for the Sheriff’s Office quick and appropriate response.” Officials with Navajo County stated that more information will become available as the investigation continues.
