Comptroller Baringer Turns Tow Lot Audit Over to U.S. Attorney

(St. Louis–May 2, 2025) — St. Louis Comptroller Donna M.C. Baringer turned over the controversial auto towing and storage division audit over to Assistant United States Attorney Hal Goldsmith.  

“After being briefed by our Internal Auditor and talking to the City Counselor, I determined this matter needed to be turned over to the Federal authorities for further criminal investigation, which I have done,” Comptroller Baringer said. “The old way of doing business is over.”

The audit revealed the many disturbing facts, including: More than $80,000 in missing cash; 33% of tow tickets were missing, incomplete or had incorrect amount; 568 of the 1,133 total vehicles were missing from the inventory; and the fiscal impact of missing vehicles unaccounted for is $ 4,994,525.

There were procedures in place to address these issues which were not followed.

Comptroller Baringer will develop a comprehensive audit strategy that will forensically examine all aspects of city operations.  Implementation of this strategy could also include independent, third parties from outside City Government. “I am committed assuring taxpayers their money is accounted for and spent efficiently,” Comptroller Baringer said. 

The Auto Towing and Storage Division audit can be viewed below:  

https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/comptroller/documents/audits/upload/Auto-Tow-Issued-Report-03-26-2025.pdf

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Comptroller Donna M.C. Baringer is the chief fiscal officer of the City of St. Louis and is charged with safeguarding the city's credit rating and with protecting taxpayer dollars. Visit www.stlouismo.gov/comptroller to learn more about the Office of the Comptroller.