Thursday, July 06, 2000
Prosecutor: Delays hampering West End board probe
By Robert Anglen
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Hamilton County prosecutor says there's enough evidence to warrant a criminal investigation into the West End Community Council.
But he can't explain why Cincinnati officials haven't already turned over audit findings to the police department and says any delays could get in the way of the city's ability to file charges — again.
“I don't understand it,” Prosecutor Mike Allen said Wednesday. “Any other municipal agency I've been involved with has no problem making immediate referrals to the proper law enforcement agency.”
Instead of getting police investigators involved, he said, city administrators submitted an incomplete pack age to his office that can't be used for prosecution.
City Manager John Shirey could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
“Common sense tells you that this needs to be investigated by a competent law enforcement agency,” Mr. Allen said, adding that his office doesn't have the resources to conduct an investigation for the city. “There is no way to initiate anything based on that report.”
A city audit obtained last week by the Cincinnati Enquirer shows more than $80,000 slated for community projects went instead to West End Community Council officers, their relatives and organizations they control.
Some of those members are already being investigat ed by federal, state and local authorities for allegedly misspending taxpayer money given to Genesis Redevelopment Inc., another community council organization.
“This needs to go to the fraud squad,” Mr. Allen said. “They are perfectly equipped to deal with this.”
In a letter Wednesday to Mr. Shirey, Mr. Allen said it is impossible to determine “whether statute of limitations may be of issue.”
In May, officials lost the ability to file federal and state criminal charges against another Cincinnati developer accused of misspending nearly $1 million in taxpayer money because city officials waited too long to report it. Although an investigation into Owning the Realty was started in 1994, no findings were reported until March of this year. “Obviously somebody is not keeping an eye on where taxpayer money is being spent,” Mr. Allen said.
Natural gas in demand, too
Pastry lovers lose old friend
Gore invites AME members to join his quest
IRS owes millions, audit says
Heavy-hitters stay late at steakhouse
Who should be cast away?
Bad drivers come in all ages
$11.5M for stadium transfered
Councilman Saylor's foes fire first official salvo
Multistate lottery attacked
Poll finds Bush leads in N.Ky.
Sister's arrests strain identity
Suspect can't buy a haven
Suspect subpoenaes council
Bridges pleads not guilty
Care center security reviewed after rape
'Feathered' hair on the cutting edge
Fort Mitchell plans new park
Harry Potter parties greet 'Goblet'
Pig Parade: CPA (Certified Piglet Accountant)
Plaza named for civic giant
Prosecutor: Delays hampering West End board probe
Renovation project hits snag
Coroner: Baby was asphyxiated
Health studies in kindergarten heralds changes
Judges discuss probation officers' complaints
Merit pay plans popular
Ohio limits sale of driver data
Science teachers get back to basics
Stores make way for new CVS in Cheviot
Unwanted animals get second chance at haven in Indiana
Center plans to expand
16 die on Ky. roads over holiday
Driver enters plea in death
GET TO IT
Tristate digest
