Who looks after the gamekeepers?

The validity of some of the 2,400 concealed weapons permits issued to Shasta County (California) residents is in question after it was discovered that a Sheriff's Office clerk may have pocketed applicants' fees. As first reported on Redding.com, Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko said Friday that the woman's co-workers uncovered the alleged thefts in early June. The woman, a 17-year veteran clerk with the sheriff's records department, was placed on administrative leave as soon as the allegations could be verified, Bosenko said. At least 100 permit holders, mostly renewals, have been identified so far as possible victims, Bosenko said.

The woman is no longer employed with the Sheriff's Office, and Redding police are investigating the matter for possible criminal charges, Bosenko said. Bosenko declined to name the woman because no charges have been filed and criminal and internal affairs investigations are still under way. He wouldn't say whether the woman was fired or resigned. Bosenko said it's believed that the clerk took concealed weapons applicants' cash and gave them copies of their permits. She then pocketed the money and didn't file the appropriate paperwork with the county or the state Department of Justice, Bosenko said.