King County's Missing $61,000: Treasurer Accused of Embezzlement
A committee's report reveals that former County Treasurer George D. Hill is indebted to King County for over $61,000; the board orders legal action against him and his bondsmen.
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Board met at 1 p.m. and proceeded to hear the report of the committee appointed to examine the books and accounts of ex-Treasurer Hill, which report showed George D. Hill to be indebted to King County as Treasurer in the sum of $61,471.60. The Board instructed the Prosecuting Attorney to proceed forthwith against George D. Hill and his bondsmen to collect the same. J. R. Lewis was employed as assistant counsel to prosecute the case of George D. Hill et al., and a warrant was ordered drawn in his favor for $100 as a retainer's fee.
“The Board instructed the Prosecuting Attorney to proceed forthwith against George D. Hill and his bondsmen to collect the same.”
In an era when county officials handled vast sums with little oversight, the discovery of a $61,000 shortfall—equivalent to millions today—shook local trust. The case underscores the perennial challenge of public accountability and the importance of independent audits, a lesson as relevant now as it was in 1887.
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