Audit Finds Pension Benefit Payments Made To Dead Retiree

MIDLAND, Mich. (AP) - An audit has determined that pension benefit payments were being made to a Midland County retiree 13 months after that person's death.

The finding was part of a 2014 financial report presented last week to county commissioners reports the Midland Daily News.

The retiree had been living in Florida and payments were direct deposited into a bank account.

County Finance Director Tori Meyer said "the retiree's partner was taking care of the money that came into the bank account."

After officials learned of the death, the case was turned over to the county's legal counsel in an attempt to recoup the pension payments.

Tighter internal controls over pension benefit payments have been recommended. The county's Finance Department also will search a national database for obituary notices.

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