Why is it ok for our politically elected officials to make mistakes in judgement with tax payer dollars, and then lock up others that make the same mistake(stealing)
Our elected officials should be embarrassed and willing to take actions to prevent this from happening in the future with harsh punishment.
Audit is definitely in order on all expenses.
Try and charge a piece of gum to your employer that you didn't purchase and you will not only have to pay it back but you will lose your job, be charged, and have a criminal record for future employment  to remind you that a bad decision was made, the rules need to be the same.