Joplin Festival Funds Missing

The FBI was called in Jan. 4 to investigate the alleged theft of funds from the Boomtown Days annual summer festival in Joplin, Mo.

Joplin Police Chief Lane Roberts told the Joplin Globe his department received a report that money may have been embezzled from the three-day event’s budget.

Roberts said the case was turned over to the FBI because the investigation could present a conflict of interest. Some police and other city employees are involved in committees or volunteer work with the festival, according to the paper.

The Globe also said Kim Lester, the event’s financial chairwoman, reportedly resigned her position with the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce late December.

Boomtown Days Chairwoman Ginger LaMer told the paper the cash discrepancy was discovered Dec. 21. The investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, the alleged theft isn’t interfering with plans for this year’s Boomtown Days scheduled for June 9-11 at Landreth Park, featuring a lineup including 38 Special, Willie Stradlin Band and Darryl Worley among the attractions.