(MSC News)--An internal investigation of the operations at the Buchanan County Jail is underway.

That's reported by KQ2-TV, which cites Sheriff Bill Puett as confirming the investigation Friday morning.

Puett tells the TV station the probe follows the findings of internal audits and reviews in late December that discovered some employee performance issues surrounding the destruction of former inmate property.

Puett has not confirmed the specific type of issues involved in the investigation, but told the TV station the department is working to figure out if theft could be involved.

The investigation is being conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control.

The investigation started in December under the direction of then-Sheriff Mike Strong.