TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Criminal Investigation Continues At Chamber

ADVERTISEMENT

By Gary Pinnell | Highlands Today

Published: May 26, 2008

SEBRING — Whether or not charges are filed in the state attorney's office investigation of the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce, the results will be become public.

According to Florida's sunshine laws, the records are currently closed because the investigation is ongoing, said Assistant State's Attorney Steve Houchin, who manages the Highlands County office.

But when the investigation concludes, if the case is closed and no action is taken, then the findings can be released to the public, Houchin said.

If an arrest is made, the report can be obtained by the defendant and others through the discovery process, Houchin said.

Although Dan Andrews, 33, worked at an accounting firm before he became president of the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce three years ago, his bookkeeping skills led to his termination on April 22.

"The neglect in managing the chamber's accounts was deemed inexcusable by the board and warranted the board's action," said Susan Jones, chairman of the chamber's board of directors.

"The board's lack of confidence in him to carry out his responsibilities was what ultimately led to his termination," Jones said. "We felt the chamber needed to move in a new direction."

Sarah Pallone, membership and administrative manager for the chamber, has taken over as interim president.

In April, the chamber board had no reason to believe there was criminal wrongdoing on Andrews' part, Jones said. However, a week later, the board voted to "pursue an independent audit," according to an April 29 press release.

Not according to Houchin.

"Our office does not do audits," Houchin said.

Chamber sources said payroll checks have bounced, a set of golf clubs that were supposed to be given to the winner of a tournament are unaccounted for, contractor Mark Stewart has not been paid despite the deposit of $29,000 in Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency grant money, Heartland Idol contestants have not been paid, and corporate credit cards may have been misused.

The probe is being conducted by Jeanette Dugas, chief investigator for 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Jerry Hill in Bartow, Houchin said. Dugas' written report will given directly to Hill, he said.

Dugas is a CPA who investigates major white collar crimes, said Chip Thullbery, a spokesman for the state's attorney.

Andrews is a Sebring native and was elected in March to the Sebring City Council. Despite repeated requests, Andrews has not returned phone calls seeking comment.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT