Slider run doesn't clear police audit

EAST CHICAGO, Ind. — This is one expense that didn't slide through.

The Indiana State Board of Accounts says East Chicago Police Chief Augusto Flores and Human Resources Director Hector Rivera must repay $1,340 to the police department's petty cash for disallowed expenses including a run for White Castle hamburgers, popularly known as "sliders."

Auditors questioned expenses including $740 for Christmas party catering, $375 for an employee party and baby shower and $194 in unaccounted-for funds. Rivera initially said some of the unaccounted-for funds went for training seminar refreshments, but after auditors challenged an after-midnight time stamp on a White Castle receipt, the chief said the money went to feed officers from other departments assisting East Chicago police.

The Times of Munster reported Tuesday that auditors deemed it an inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars.