By PHIL DRAKE
HELENA – Calls to the state-run hotline reporting alleged government fraud, waste and abuse are coming in at a quicker pace than a year ago, a report to a state panel revealed.
The Legislative Audit Division received 24 reports to its hotline in Fiscal Year 2011, with one of those calls referred to the Department of Justice, a state panel was told. But in the first six months of FY 2012, the hotline has received 33 reports.

The hotline (1-800-222-4446 or, in Helena, 444-4446) receives reports of fraud, waste and abuse of state government resources. It also receives tips on possible penal violations that include reports of theft or other violations of the criminal code. The hotline update was presented Feb. 8 to the Legislative Audit Committee by Deborah F. Butler, legal counsel for the audit division.
The hotline enables state employees and the public to report alleged fraud, theft and other illegal activities by state employees, departments and agencies. The improper governmental activities also include corruption, bribery, misuse of state property or time, incompetence, inefficiency and gross misconduct.
Calls included claims of misuse that included sick leave, state vehicles, state equipment, state benefits, and difficulty in contacting agencies for services.
It also included complaints of state employees with criminal records, unprofessional conduct and problems with contracts.
Legislative Auditor Tori Hunthausen told the committee the complaints are treated as allegations until the audit work substantiates the claims. Letters are also sent to department heads and they are required to follow up with the audit division.
In FY 2012, the 33 reports involved 11 agencies. The hotline has received 17 letters or contacts with agencies and 13 of the letters have been forwarded to staff, Butler said.
Those calls included three in which hiring practices were questioned, nepotism at two agencies, misuse of leave at two agencies, conflicts of interest and complaints regarding the bidding process.
In FY 2011, there were 50 reports of alleged penal violations, 12 agencies impacted; $10,000 stolen, 17 computers or mobile devices, missing drugs and one agency reported a theft directly to the Department of Justice.
So far in FY 2012 (July 1-Dec. 31), there were 36 reports that affected eight agencies. Nearly $2,600 in cash was stolen, 16 computers or mobile devices stolen, two stolen firearms and one vehicle was swiped.
Committee Chairman Sen. Mitch Tropila, D-Great Falls, said it was nice to know the hotline was being used.
The hotline number is 1-800-222-4446 or, in Helena, 444-4446 or e-mail at LAD@mt.gov.
Check out the state’s website regarding the hotline at http://leg.mt.gov/css/audit/Fraud%20Hotline/fraud_hotline.asp