Jarrard and Davis Give Status of Blue Ridge City Council Inquiry

Jarrard & Davis, the law firm which is conducting the investigation of the Blue Ridge City Council, provided FetchYourNews with an update on its investigation.

This current stage was authorized by the City Council on Feb. 2, 2016.  According to Jarrard & Davis, during this stage they have interviewed “city government personnel, city residents and other non-resident individuals with relevant knowledge regarding each of the “Master List” topics that were identified in our Phase I Findings Report, as well as the review of relevant public and private records and correspondence.”

The inquiry’s “Master List” topics for further action are: investigating a City government department’s liquidation of city assets and accounting of cash transactions; concluding the debate around the Mayor’s legal place of residence; and a review of City officials potentially using their office for the betterment of their friends and family.

FetchYourNews asked Jarrard & Davis which departments and people listed in the recommendations have been cleared of illegal misdeeds.  The firm cannot comment at this time.  FetchYourNews also asked which departments and people are being investigated.  Again, the firm cannot comment at this time.

After completing the investigation, Jarrard & Davis will prepare a report for the Mayor and City Council which contains their determination of which problematic actions of City of Blue Ridge government call for disciplinary action or civil or criminal prosecution.  Attorney Ken Jarrard says that a date for release of the investigation findings has not been set.

Council Member Angie Arp instigated the Jarrard & Davis investigation, which began in December 2015.  She contacted the the firm, which specializes in providing legal services for counties and municipalities, to investigate the legality of Mayor Whitener being the Mayor of Blue Ridge.  Mayor Whitener agreed to the investigation and recommened to open the scope of the investigation to all Council Members and city government departments.

 

Related Posts:           Jarrard and Davis’ Blue Ridge Phase One Investigation Report (inquiry findings Jarrard & Davis gave to the City Council)

Jarrard and Davis Release Blue Ridge City Council  Inquiry Report

Feb. 2 Council Meeting:  Council Inquiry, Water Bills and Street Repairs

Alicia Stewart Praised in Jarrard & Davis Inquiry

    Jarrard and Davis Investigation Phase Continues