Result of GBI Investigation into Bernie Hodskins Due Soon
News April 25, 2016
Fannin County is awaiting the results of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s inquiry into former Fannin County Recreation Director Bernie Hodskin’s misappropriation of funds during his time as Recreation Department Director. The county is expecting the results of the GBI investigation any time now.
Last June, Fannin County’s District Attorney prepared a forensic audit about the Fannin County Recreation Department by reviewing one year’s worth of finances. The forensic audit was to see if further action against Mr. Hodskins was warranted. The audit showed that there was mismanagement of funds and that there needed to be a full investigation against Mr. Hodskins. At that time, Fannin County had a choice to turn the information over to the GBI for the GBI to conduct an investigation or for Fannin County to conduct the investigation on its own.
According to Fannin County Clerk Rita Kirby, the county decided to go with a GBI forensic audit and investigation, even though it would take longer to get the results. If the county conducted the investigation against Mr. Hodskins itself, it would have cost thousands of dollars. If the GBI handled the investigation, the county would not incur any cost. The drawback, according to Ms. Kirby is that the GBI investigation takes longer. In June 2015, the GBI told the county the investigation needed six to nine months. According to Ms. Kirby, as of last week, the GBI has not sent the county further information.
1 Comment
I’m calling this an election year smoke screen. Its my understanding that individuals involved have never been contacted by GBI. I would think that the GBI would be thorough enough to interview all parties involved. I personally doubt the GBI has even been contacted. I think the commissioner did what he did and is name dropping the GBI to get any political opposition off of his back.