Pocatello Rotary Club, police investigating misappropriation of funds
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POCATELLO — The Rotary Club of Pocatello says it is investigating a possible misappropriation of club funds and is working with the Pocatello Police Department as the investigation moves forward.
Recently elected club president Denis Clijsters said the possible misappropriation does not involve any current members of the organization, according to a news release.
“An individual who previously had access to our accounts may have misappropriated club funds. That is what we know at this point,” Clijsters said.
The club is now working with police to determine the facts surrounding the case. Clijsters said the organization decided to notify the public because of its longstanding presence in the community and its involvement in numerous local service projects.
“We felt it was best to let the community know that there is an issue and that we are diligently looking into it,” he said.
The club said its current programs and community service projects have not been affected. Officials also said they have reviewed financial oversight measures and strengthened internal controls to better safeguard the organization’s funds moving forward.
“We take very seriously the trust our community places in us in supporting the many service projects and worthwhile causes in which our club is involved,” Clijsters said. “For more than a century, the Pocatello Rotary Club has stood as a leading example of the Rotary motto, ‘Service Above Self,’ and nothing has changed in that regard.”
The Rotary Club of Pocatello said it remains committed to supporting local projects, including Little Free Libraries, highway cleanups and support for community organizations, as well as international Rotary initiatives focused on eradicating polio, providing clean drinking water and promoting peace.
Clijsters said the club will not release additional information while the police investigation is ongoing.
“People deserve a fair investigation and due process, and we intend to respect that principle,” he said.