PASCO, Wash. (AP) — Nine Franklin County employees have been put on administrative leave as part of an investigation into an alleged theft of public funds, including one who was arrested on suspicion of first-degree theft, money laundering and possession of a controlled substance charges.
Authorities say Dennis M. Huston, the county’s director of accounting and administration for the Public Works Department, was booked into the Franklin County jail Thursday. He is being held without bail. Franklin County Commissioner Brad Peck said Huston is on unpaid leave, while the eight other employees are on paid leave. Peck said there was no indication that the eight other people did anything wrong, but they were removed from the office for investigative purposes.
The investigation into the misappropriation of funds began about two weeks ago after it was discovered during an internal audit by the county Auditor’s Office.
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Information from The Tri-City Herald: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/
