RIDGELEY, W.Va. — Mineral County Prosecuting Attorney Jay Courrier is waiting for the sheriff’s department to finish its investigation into Mayor Jim Twigg’s alleged misuse of a government-issued credit card before he decides whether to move forward with criminal prosecution.
Courrier said Friday that he received an audit report that provided minimal information and he hopes to have a decision before the grand jury meets in May. If he feels the issue is a felony, Courrier has the option of taking it before the grand jury, which would then determine if there is probable cause for an indictment or could issue a non true bill, according to Twigg’s attorney, “Kin” Floyd McKinley Sayre of the firm Bowles Rice in Martinsburg. Courrier can also ask make a determination that civil restitution be made.
“Nowhere in that audit does it say that somebody has committed a crime,” said Sayre during a January council meeting. “It says there is potential based on what they found. Based on what’s been said and what’s been reviewed, there is no criminal violation there.”
Sgt. C.E. Leatherman, who is investigating the matter, is waiting on additional information from the state auditor, according to Sheriff Jeremy Taylor.
The state audit found potential malfeasance, according to a letter dated Jan. 24 written by Stuart Stickel, a certified public accountant and deputy state auditor of the chief inspector division.
“We are apprising your office of this potential malfeasance in order that criminal prosecution and/or civil action may be instituted if deemed appropriate,” Stickel wrote in the letter. “Please advise this office within 60 days of the results of your inquiries and the legal actions you have taken, or propose to take, to remedy these circumstances.”
The audit lists eight charges for $415.81 to Twigg’s card, known as a “P-Card,” for which he previously reimbursed the town. Sayre said that those charges where used during travel on behalf of the town.
P-Cards are used to make payments for goods, services and travel and are governed by state code. Personal charges and food expenses are prohibited. The card cannot be used to obtain cash, cash credits or cash advances.
Finance Commissioner Tom Hedrick said during the January council meeting that a per diem rule for food was made after April and prior to that the cards were used for food.
“We did go to per diem in April to cut off the food expenses on the purchase card,” said Hedrick.
The audit also noted 56 charges made on two Ridgeley P-card holder’s accounts totaling $2,916.07 were not adequately documented and, “the validity and purpose of the charges could not be determined.”
Any person who violates the West Virginia state code regarding fraud, misuse and abuse of the P-Card is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be confined in the penitentiary not less than one nor more than five years, or fined no more than $5,000, or both fined and imprisoned, according to the code.
Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.
Latest news
Probe continues into Ridgeley mayor’s alleged misuse of purchase card
- Latest news
-
-
County plans to regulate piercings and change rules for tattoo parlors
While Allegany County regulates tattoos, it does not currently regulate body piercings, but the county health department is planning to change that situation soon.
Legitimate tattoo and piercing shops are cooperating in the update, county health officials have said. -
Residents adopt American chestnut trees
Cradling her small American chestnut tree as if it were a newborn baby, Nancy Bean was ready Saturday afternoon to return to her Backbone Mountain home where she would grab a shovel and plant a part of the country’s heritage.
-
I-68 downtown ramp to reopen Monday
The exit 43C ramp from eastbound Interstate 68 to downtown Cumberland will remain closed through Monday morning to allow crews to repair the concrete driving surface.
-
Mineral deputy, K-9 partner named top team in W.Va.
Mineral County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Smith and K-9 Kira were awarded West Virginia K-9 Team of the Year by the West Virginia Police Canine Association earlier this month.
-
Organizers hope canoe championships put Garrett County on map
Deep Creek 2014: International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships is the largest inbound sporting event scheduled in the United States in 2014, according to Todd Copley, executive director of Deep Creek 2014.
-
Organizers hope canoe championships put Garrett County on map
Deep Creek 2014: International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships is the largest inbound sporting event scheduled in the United States in 2014, according to Todd Copley, executive director of Deep Creek 2014.
-
PSC approves Keyser sewer rate hike, customers due refund
The West Virginia Public Service Commission has approved a sewer rate increase for Keyser for all service after June 24 and a refund of 1.01 percent of the money collected from each customer under the interim rates.
-
County to request project funding through Appalachian Regional Commission
The beginning stages of a pilot training program through Frostburg State University, a water line replacement at the fairgrounds and work on an access road to the Frostburg Business Park are among the projects Allegany County plans to submit to the Appalachian Regional Commission for funding.
-
Former Piedmont police chief says actions not illegal or deceitful
Ralph Rice, former chief of Piedmont Police, doesn’t understand why the council made an issue out of his delay in returning the 911 center radio and the three packages of police equipment.
-
Skydiving business operating at aiport
The Greater Cumberland Regional Airport may see a skydiving outfit and a substation of the Mineral County Sheriff’s Department on the grounds in the future. On Thursday, Potomac Highlands Airport Authority members voted unanimously to enter into a commercial agreement with SkyDive Deep Creek to offer skydiving, pending an insurance review.
- More Latest news Headlines
-
County plans to regulate piercings and change rules for tattoo parlors
