Alton, Mo. — A warrant has been issued in Oregon County for the arrest of the former director of the Oregon County Ambulance District for allegedly embezzling nearly $30,000 from a donation-based fund intended to support first responders.
Kenneth A. McKenzie, who resigned from his position on October 14, 2024, is accused of making dozens of unauthorized cash withdrawals from a Community First Banking account set up by the Ambulance District. The account, originally created to provide first responders with equipment and supplies, was funded by donations and district contributions.
The investigation began after the district’s board president was alerted by the office secretary, who reported that McKenzie instructed her to shred incoming bank statements before leaving on a trip — claiming they were personal. This prompted the board to review account activity, uncovering 58 ATM withdrawals between January and October 2024 totaling $28,423.25. All but two of the transactions were for $500 each. McKenzie was the only person with access to the account and a business debit card. No receipts or approvals for the withdrawals were ever presented to the board.
According to interviews with district employees, McKenzie also had a romantic relationship with a co-worker to whom he gave thousands of dollars in cash and gifts, including plants, furniture, and payments for taxes and credit card debt. She told investigators the gifts came mostly during their relationship between November 2023 and March 2024 and that McKenzie continued offering her money even after they broke up.
Surveillance footage captured McKenzie making a $500 cash withdrawal at a Thayer bank two days before his resignation. Prior to 2024, there had been no recorded ATM withdrawals from the account since its creation in 2017.
When contacted by investigators in February 2025, McKenzie stated he had relocated to Texas and refused to meet in person, offering instead to have any communication go through his attorney. He expressed distrust in law enforcement, despite his history of working in public safety.
The Oregon County Prosecutor’s Office is seeking charges of Stealing of over $25,000.
