After learning of a $533,000 loss in Gregg Township, residents are still waiting for answers

After residents of Gregg Township learned last month that nearly $533,000 was lost from township accounts, they are still waiting for answers on who will be held responsible.

Rockview State Police told CDT Friday that a criminal investigation was underway, a day after dozens of residents filled a meeting room at the Old Gregg School to hear an update from the board of directors.

Township leaders have not disclosed over what period of time the money was lost, saying at a June meeting that the former secretary “appears to have been involved in a series of transactions that resulted in large amounts of money being spent from the township’s accounts.” In emails obtained by CDT through a Right-to-Know request, township attorney David Gaines requested a draft of the 2021 township audit and wrote that the former secretary’s “activities” occurred in 2021 and possibly before.

Last month, officials estimated the damage at nearly $533,000.

This total amount is the result of an investigation by tax consultant John Corman, said Gaines.

The township’s former secretary is currently suspended indefinitely without pay. Officials did not mention the former secretary’s name during Thursday’s meeting and the CDT does not typically name suspects unless they are charged.

Gaines said Thursday that while no charges have been filed, the community has received updated information from law enforcement.

“They don’t necessarily tell us what they’re doing, but they assure us they’re continuing,” Gaines said of the police investigation.

The bail bond company’s investigation is also ongoing, Gaines told CDT. Officials said last month they expected a refund because the estimated amount was within the municipality’s bail bond limits.

In response to questions during the public hearing, Supervisor Ben Haupt said the township intends to file charges if the criminal investigation reveals evidence against the former secretary.

Resident Lisa Bierlein urged supervisors to continue to be transparent throughout the process and make minutes and updates public after a resident at last month’s meeting called the June town meeting minutes “vague.”

Last month, the council hired a new secretary and treasurer for the township and voted to require all of its supervisors to undergo an annual background check with the state police.

The next Gregg Township meeting will be held on Thursday, October 10th at 6:30 p.m.