LINCOLN — Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley has released a report accusing the former executive director of the Nebraska Abstractor Board of Examiners of inflating his hours and collecting more than $20,000 in unearned compensation.
According to the audit, 27-year-old Trenton G. Behr allegedly padded his work hours, claiming around $20,700 in wages he did not earn. Attempts to interview Behr through his attorney were unsuccessful, and he declined to respond to investigators.
Foley described the findings as one of the most egregious cases he’s seen, comparing the part-time director’s presence to “Bigfoot — rumored to exist, but rarely seen.”
The report also revealed Behr may have double-billed both the board and his private employer, Albireo Energy of Omaha. Over a one-year period, auditors found 65% of his reported workdays overlapped, sometimes totaling more than 24 hours in a single day. During one stretch, Behr claimed to work eight hours a day for 140 consecutive days while also pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
In addition, the audit found he delayed depositing board funds for more than 100 days and allegedly misused Albireo Energy’s corporate credit card, making more than $26,000 in unauthorized personal purchases, including airfare and retail expenses.
The Nebraska Abstractor Board, which certifies professionals who compile real estate title records, has only one employee in the executive director role. Auditors recommended stronger oversight to prevent future abuse.
No charges have been filed against Behr to date, but the case is being reviewed with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol.
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