TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

FBI Investigating Polk Schools' Facilities Division

ADVERTISEMENT

TBO.com

Published: November 18, 2008

Updated: 11/18/2008 02:31 pm

The Polk County School District has placed four people on leave while the FBI investigates activities in the school board's facilities division, the district superintendent announced today.

The FBI is conducting a public corruption investigation, according to Dave Couvertier, spokesman for the federal law enforcement agency.

Agents executed two search warrants looking for "items of evidentiary value" at offices owned by M.M. Parrish Construction Co., 4210 Hammond Drive, Winter Haven, and 3455 S.W. 42nd Ave., Gainesville. Couvertier wouldn't give any more specifics because the investigation is ongoing.

According to the M.M. Parrish Web site, the company has worked on several county school projects, including Tenoroc High School, Lake Marion Creek School, Palmetto Elementary School and Laurel Avenue Elementary School.

A school board news release gave no details about the activities being investigated. It says the investigation began when "certain allegations were presented to district authorities."

The four employees placed on administrative leave with pay are Robert Williams, 65, assistant superintendent for facilities and operations; Terry Collins, 52, director of maintenance; Rob Williams, 39, project coordinator; and George Mercer, 55, a carpenter.

The leaves were implemented "to allow for a more extensive and comprehensive investigation to occur," the news release states.

"No criminal or other charges have yet been made against any employee, nor have disciplinary actions been taken against any school board employee," the release states.

While the investigation is pending, Assistant Superintendant of Support Services Fred Murphy has been designated to oversee the operations of the facilities division as part of his responsibilities. In addition, Jack English will supervise the maintenance and custodial departments. English is a former school board member.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT