Loyal Ashvegas reader Murphy raises some good points about the investigation of allegations of fraud within the human resources department of Asheville City Hall. Here’s the comment:
It seems to me that if several employees allegedly knew these fraudulent activities were happening and no one reported it that conspiracy charges should be included as well.Why have we not heard from Mayor Bellamy on this issue?She should call for the SBI for an “independent” investigation.Of course since this involves possible Federal tax fraud as well maybe the FEDS will take a look.
Other thoughts, anyone?
6 Comments
What the SBI and the DA really need to do is talk to any of the city’s internal auditors and others in the finance department. There are well known improprieties happening with regard to the city budget, payroll, outside fundraising, use of grant funds and other expenditures.
The only reason the flex fund is being investigated is because an employee on the way out pulled specific documents and delivered them to the DA which forced him to act upon it. All the other unethical and illegal activities in other areas continue to go uninvestigated because staffers can’t afford to be out of work in the current economy and they know they will get hung out to dry in an instant by some inept and/or corrupt directors. The accountability for everything falls on the grossly overpaid directors alone, but they only dodge the issue and lock themselves away from the public when the consequences of their inaction and inability come knocking. If the media or DA bothered to really look into things there, the reality would be impossible to hide.
I’m just disappointed to hear that Robin Nix is among the accused. She used to be the public information officer for the City before going into HR. It’s a shock to hear that a former PR colleague has (allegedly) acted illegally.
Hey Goob, the SBI, DA, and APD are ALL investigating. try being informed PEASZZ
"Sean" I used the word "allegedly".
And, FYI, the ACT is now reporting (just moments ago), that the SBI is/was involved because of the appearance of impropriety with the APD investigating its’ own employer(s).
The statements from the APD this afternoon, are contradictory to what they themselves stated earlier (yesterday) … which is that "several employees admitted knowledge of wrong doing involving FSAs", and at least 2 admitted to direct knowledge of wrong doing.
Refer to Webster’s for a definition(s) of conspiracy.
And, "Nancy Drew" I am not ashevillelocal.
The mere fact that the news media is aware of the situation through the public documents that they have seen demonstrates to me that the case is being investigated properly. The search warrants demonstrate that the PD has been working closely with the District Attorney’s Office throughout the investigation. It should be noted, therefore, that even if the SBI was conducting the investigation, it would ultimately be up to that same DA’s Office to determine whether or not someone or anyone should be prosecuted.
I think "Murphy" (or AshevilleLOKEL on ACT) has a little conspiracy theory bias with no real evidence of same.
So, what is the county DA’s office? Seems like that is already happening.