By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter

jevans@thepccourier.com

LIBERTY — After nearly a year of investigation into the city of Liberty’s books, no criminal charges will be filed, officials announced last week.

In a statement released by Liberty police chief Adam Gilstrap, Liberty mayor Eric Boughman discussed the investigation.

The city’s outside auditing firm discovered irregularities regarding credit card charges on the mayor’s card and “a couple of city employees,” Boughman said.

“Before we could do any investigation of our own, SLED was notified and began to investigate the matter,” he said. “SLED has now completed the investigation of the alleged misuse of city funds, turned those findings over to the solicitor’s office, and it has been determined that there will be no criminal charges filed in this case.”

The SLED agent investigating the matter said no money is owed to the city, Boughman said.

The mayor said that new policies are now in place.

“The matter is closed,” Boughman said.

During an executive session in August 2015, city council voted to terminate the employment of the city’s clerk and treasurer, Erin Lewis.

“This has been a trying 11 months for the city with the investigation and the loss of a city employee,” Boughman said. “I am grateful that this episode is now behind us and we can all move forward without this cloud over our heads.”