Former Election Judge Accused of Fraud Arrested

Patricia “Patty” A. Lamb, former Republican Election Director for Clay County, was arrested in Montana on felony charges of fraud and misuse of a county credit card. She is currently awaiting extradition back to Clay County.

A forensic audit uncovered over $15,000 in unauthorized expenses, including non-business charges, undocumented reimbursements, and extra payroll payments. Clay County Commissioner Jason Withington posted about the incident on his Facebook page:

“According to the probable cause statement, from fiscal year 2021 to fiscal year 2024, Lamb's County-issued credit card had a total of $8,126.51 in non-business-related charges, $1,336.00 in non-business-related mileage, a $200 petty cash payment with no supporting documentation, and, in 2022, she received a total of 28 paychecks, which was two more than she was entitled to. The additional paychecks totaled $6,278.40.”

Lamb was placed on administrative leave in 2023 and terminated in January 2024 after the audit results were reviewed. She had moved out of state before investigators could interview her.

The Clay County Election Board replaced Lamb with Interim Directors Heather Hall and Denise Hart. County officials, including Commissioner Jason Withington, expressed concerns over the loss of public trust and called for new appointments to the Election Board, whose terms have expired.

Clay County Auditor Victor Hurlbert sought reimbursement for the fraudulent charges and discovered the board had overestimated its census, resulting in overcharging the county by over $200,000. Hurlbert proposed that the county assume oversight of the Election Board’s finances to prevent further issues.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.