PONCA- Wiping clean city-owned computers, disabling data backup systems, and the deletion of roughly 21 years of city documents were just a few of the steps taken by former Ponca clerk, treasurer, and administrator Denise Peterson prior to her dismissal on February 1st at the behest of the city's mayor, according to a report issued by the Nebraska State Auditor last week.

The nine-page report suggested that Peterson, in doing this, may have violated state laws prohibiting the destruction or misuse of city records. The report also raises questions about two instances in which Peterson was issued two checks from the city over the same period, as well as misuse of a city credit card.

Ponca city officials, in response to the audit, said they believe Peterson's actions were "deliberate and premeditated to leave all the city cupboard bare and the city non-operational." On top of that, Ponca officials said the city incurred "excessive costs" in an attempt to recreate and retrieve the documents removed or destroyed by Peterson. "That act," said State Auditor Mike Foley, "combined with what we do know about the obvious abuse of the city's credit card begs for harsh penalties."

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