Delaware deputy treasurer resigns amid controversy

Delaware Deputy Treasurer Erika Benner is leaving her office, after she was accused of misusing her state credit card to buy thousands of dollars in personal items.

Benner submitted her resignation letter to State Treasurer Chip Flowers on Monday morning. In the letter she wrote, “I take full responsibility and apologize for the decisions I made during a very difficult time in my life.” Benner’s spending on her state credit card included more than $1,000 spent for football tickets and private car service to attend a New England Patriots game.  

Benner has since repaid the state for all charges plus interest, said Flowers, who accepted her resignation Monday morning. “While I certainly do not condone and strongly condemn the actions that resulted in Ms. Benner’s request, I am grateful that she has accepted full responsibility for her actions during this difficult period in her personal life.”

Flowers commended Benner’s work before this incident, describing how appreciative he was of the job she was doing. “Though the road will be difficult, I hope that she can one day redeem herself in the hearts of Delawareans.”

Flowers said while his office does not administer the state’s credit card program, he ordered a complete review of credit card policies and procedures within the state treasury.  He also ordered a reduction in the number of credit cards within the agency.