Friday, November 28, 2003
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Friday, November 28, 2003 |
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Venues to be self-supporting in 2004 budgets By JOHN MUNFORD No crime uncovered in GBI, PTC probes of city development authority Chief says ‘cloud of supposition’ formed by lack of plans; conflicts of interest not disclosed By JOHN MUNFORD jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was unable to find any evidence of criminal activity after reviewing numerous documents pertaining to the activities of the Development Authority of Peachtree City. The two GBI agents who worked the case also pointed out four areas of the authority’s Sept. 30, 2002 audit which should be reviewed, said Police Chief James Murray, who asked for the review by the GBI’s financial investigations unit. Murray said City Finance Director Paul Salvatore told him several of those issues have already been addressed with the auditing firm. Murray emphasized that if any indicators of criminal conduct are found at a later date, the investigation could be re-opened. As for now, however the case is closed. Although no evidence of criminal intent was found by Murray or the GBI, the chief noted in a press release Wednesday that the review of the documents brought “numerous suggestions that bad decision-making, failure to disclose conflicts of interests and failure to follow proper procedure were prevalent when the Development Authority and its members were conducting Authority business. “In many cases, the failure to have a detailed operation plan specifically designed to hold accountable both employees and members of the Authority for the proper accountability when spending or obligating taxpayer dollars has led to a cloud of supposition.” The investigation was only to review possible criminal violations, not ethics or operations violations, Murray noted. “People have to understand that for a criminal investigation you have to have probable cause, not mere suspicion and innuendo,” Murray said. Murray said he was confident of the investigation’s results, saying the two GBI agents working the case — Steve Edwards, the special agent in charge of the financial investigations unit, and Nancy L. Windom, the forensic investigation unit manager — are experts in the field who have experience with hotel-motel tax issues and investigating authorities. Murray quickly added that he is not an expert in accounting. “These people are well-qualified,” Murray said, adding that he felt glad the agents concurred with his opinion on certain issues. Murray began reviewing documents pertaining to the DAPC in mid-October at the request of Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown. In addition to reviewing the documents, Murray conducted interviews with persons relating to the bidding, building and management function of the city’s tennis center and amphitheater which the authority operated. Calling the GBI for assistance was a serious matter, Murray said, but he felt he might be accused of being too close to the city to offer a valid opinion. “I felt I needed a second opinion,” Murray said. Murray and the GBI agents also consulted with the Georgia Attorney General’s Office at times during the investigation, the chief added. The investigation will help city officials create restrictions so these types of problems don’t come up again, Murray said.
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