FORMER BLUE SPRINGS CITY EMPLOYEE ADMITS STEALING ANTI-DRUG FUNDS

A former Blue Springs city employee on Monday admitted stealing more than
$41,000 in money designated for youth anti-drug programs and depositing it
into his bank accounts.

Joe Mick, 31, now of Pella, Iowa, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of
stealing without consent. In his plea agreement, Mick returned the entire
amount stolen, $41,067, and was placed on probation for five years.
Additionally, he must serve 100 hours of community service and pay the Blue
Springs Youth Outreach Unit $1,500.

Mick previously worked at the unit, obtaining and coordinating grants. He
would not comment on the case. The unit is associated with the police
department, the city and the Blue Springs School District.

Court documents state that from June to October 2000, three checks totaling
$41,067 were deposited into the Youth Outreach Unit's bank account. The
money then was withdrawn and deposited directly into Mick's personal
checking accounts. The stolen money was Jackson County COMBAT
reimbursements for Blue Springs anti-drug programs for youths.

COMBAT is a taxpayer-financed anti-drug program.

City officials became aware in August 2001 that the money was missing.

According to court documents, police traced Mick's accounts and learned
that he had written checks to a brother, a Baptist church, a cruise line
and a credit-card company.

Before the thefts, Mick had insufficient-fund charges of $1,845 in his
accounts.

Jackson County Special Prosecutor Pat Peters said that if the aid had gone
directly to the organization, the missing money might not have been traced.

"It's something taxpayers ought to be aware of," he said.

In this case, the money was sent to Blue Springs first, and the city
auditor noticed the missing money.

Jim Nunnelly, program administrator for COMBAT, said COMBAT required money
to go directly to governmental authorities for greater accountability.