"Agency staff noticed a discrepancy in daily cash receipts in early January and we immediately initiated an internal investigation.

"As soon as we concluded our initial investigation, we invited Kentucky State Police to look into this suspected embezzlement. We then brought the matter to the attention of the state auditor's office and the Kentucky Executive Ethics Commission.

"We appreciate the auditor's report reaffirming the results of our internal investigation, and its acknowledgement that the Department of Fish and Wildlife took 'appropriate action upon identifying the perceived misappropriation of assets by communicating the impropriety to the Office of the Auditor of Public Accounts, law enforcement officials, and the Kentucky Executive Branch Ethics Commission.'

"We immediately took action to put stronger internal safeguards in place. We now require all receipts to be verified by multiple staff, including a supervisor. We strive to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and are committed to doing the right thing.

"This remains an active criminal investigation by Kentucky State Police, and we have been requested not to comment further."