Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, August 13, 1994 TAG: 9408150032
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
State police began an investigation after receiving an anonymous letter alleging theft of city property, bid-rigging and conflict of interest.
Keith, who is the Montgomery County commonwealth's attorney, received the report from Special Agent Gus Necessary in late June.
"After reviewing the state police report, I have reached the conclusion that if any violations of law occurred, they were so minor and/or unintentional as to be not worthy of prosecution," Keith said Friday afternoon.
"We're in agreement," City Manager Bob Asbury said when told of Keith's decision.
Asbury said he did not have a copy of the report but that as he tracked the investigation, appropriate personnel and administrative actions were taken to correct any perceived problems.
Keith would not release any details on the probe. Asbury said earlier this summer that the city had been investigating complaints that parts and supplies had not gone where they were supposed to, but no evidence was turned up outside of one incident that led to criminal charges against a garage employee.
The state police carried out its investigation about the same time Radford City Police charged a city shop mechanic with stealing two dump-truck tires from the city garage.
Melvin Fred Golden, 46, of Christiansburg, waived a preliminary hearing on the grand larceny charge last month. A grand jury will decide whether he should stand trial in Circuit Court.
While the city police investigation of Golden was independent of the state police probe, the anonymous letter that started the state police involvement referred to the incident.
An allegation of bid-rigging and conflict-of-interest, apparently arising from the city's new health insurance contract, were regarded as without substance by city officials.
Radford recently negotiated a new contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Council used a consultant who made an analysis of available carriers, then made recommendations.
Keith said he and Circuit Judge Duane Mink had decided not to release specific details of the report.
by CNB