Manderson couldn't show $82,198 in police fines reached the bank; no one was charged

Subject of this story
Dennis Chambers, Former Mayor of Manderson
01 · What happened

A Wyoming Department of Audit Public Funds Division review of the Town of Manderson's fiscal 2022 books, reported in June 2025, found $82,198 in court docket collections that did not appear to have been deposited in the police department's bank account, cash underreported by $276,695 and revenues by $428,925, 139 of 194 sampled payments made without council approval, and little to no oversight by the governing body. The audit cited 16 apparent violations of state and federal rules, and the department referred it to the Division of Criminal Investigation on May 28, 2025. In October 2025 the department told lawmakers the case was closed: the Big Horn County Attorney's Office declined charges for insufficient evidence. Current town leaders blamed the prior administration and hired an outside bookkeeper. The Department of Audit is requiring monthly progress updates.

02 · Sources · 2
Lovell Chronicle — DCI to investigate Manderson auditThe town allegedly violated 16 state and federal regulations.
Cowboy State Daily — State Criminal Investigation Against Town Of Manderson Closes With No ChargesThe prosecutor cited insufficient evidence to prove a crime had been committed and declined to file charges in the case.
03 · Response
Town of Manderson

Councilman Tim Patrick blamed the prior administration: "We didn't realize the mess that we dove into."

Statement given
Dennis Chambers

Contacted — no response by publication. This space stays open; any statement is added here in full.

No response by publication
04 · What happened next · 0

No outcome recorded yet.

I saw an update