HEMPSTEAD, Texas – The Waller County Tax Office says a routine look at how the office does business turned up “unusual activity” — and it’s now turned into a law enforcement investigation involving a former employee.
Tax Assessor-Collector Carolyn Miedke said in a Thursday press release that she and her team have been reviewing the office’s day-to-day processes since she took office, aiming to tighten up procedures and better serve taxpayers. During that review, the office noticed what she described as unusual activity that didn’t match established practices.
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Miedke said the office took the concerns to the Waller County Sheriff’s Office and the Waller County District Attorney’s Office and asked for a full investigation. She said investigators later found evidence pointing to possible criminal activity connected to a member of the tax office staff.
KPRC 2 has contacted the sheriff’s office for more information on the alleged criminal activity.
That employee is no longer with the office, according to Miedke, and she said the situation is now moving through the appropriate legal channels.
Miedke also said the tax office plans to keep going with its internal review — looking at processes, procedures and records — with the goal of improving efficiency and making sure there’s accountability across the board.
She said the office is committed to transparency and maintaining the public’s trust.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Sheriff Guidry and his staff, District Attorney Whittmore and his staff, and my staff for their professionalism and support during this challenging situation,” Miedke said in the press release. “My staff and I remain fully committed to transparency and to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. We understand the importance of maintaining the public’s trust and take that responsibility very seriously.”