Richwood's Former Mayor In Hot Water

Hunter says an examination of the towns books revealed that former mayor Ed Harris had written checks to himself and employees, totalling 72 thousand dollars, in effect, emptying Richwoods bank accounts. Griffin Scott: "Is the town of richwood broke? Mayor Steve Hunter, "At this point... yes". The reason? The new mayor says the old mayor wrote checks during his last week of office, completely cleaning out the towns accounts. Ed Harris the former mayor of Richwood admits writing dozens of checks totalling 72 thousand dollars during his last week in office. But he says hes done nothing improper. Ed Harris, "Every staff member recieved a severance package because they were told by the incoming mayor that they were not going to be employed". In addition to himself Harris wrote checks to Richwood employees Gary Jesse, Achita Perkins, Teresa Holmes, Saphonia Miller, Yvette Griffin-Woods, Lawanna Roberts and Shirley Henderson. None of them showed up for work on Tuesday. One of those employees Richwood police detective Gary Jesse. According to Mayor Steve Hunter the detective received 27 checks between June 23rd and June 30th. each check was for 797 dollars. As for the 50 thousand dollars Harris wrote in checks to himself? He says, "My check was written for vacation, Ive never taken a vacation in 24 years". Mayor Hunter, "To say you love a city and to leave it strapped broke says a lot about that particular mayor". Mayor Hunter tells us he contacted the state police when the empty bank accounts were discovered. He requested they investigate. Ed Harris, "Investigate what? Here are the documents". The documents Harris refers to. The town of Richwood employee handbook. Harris says the handbook clearly states that giving severance packages to the 7 employees was proper. Hunter says the addition was added to the handbook after Harris was defeated in the March election. Mayor Hunter, "It was revised April 17th... after the election". Harris says the addition was added April 17th but says it was approved by the city council long before that. He says, "Ive done nothing contrary to the policy, contrary to the ordinance". Mayor Hunter says the state police will investigate and then ask for an opinion from the state attorney generals office on the legality of the severance checks.