Missouri auditor finds mismanagement over hiring master developer after Joplin tornado

The Missouri auditor says mismanagement over hiring a master developer after the Joplin tornado has raised enough concerns that findings have been turned over to authorities.

State Auditor Nicole Galloway said Tuesday her audit found "mismanagement and questionable business practices" in Joplin after the 2011 tornado that killed 161 people.

The Joplin Globe reports (http://bit.ly/1KuAtDh ) the audit found that city officials entered into master developer agreements with Wallace Bajjali Development Partners and that documents appeared to be written to benefit the company, resulting in nearly $1.5 million spent by the city with no real estate redevelopment provided.

The auditor's office notified law enforcement agencies of possible violations.

The city says Wallace Bajjali pressured Joplin to rush the agreement process. Wallace Bajali couldn't be reached for comment.