NEW: Warrenton officials request investigation into employee’s mountain bike
The city of Warrenton has requested the Warren County Sheriff’s Department conduct an independent investigation into how a city employee obtained a mountain bike at a conference.
The request comes after former Warrenton building commissioner Nick Beelek raised questions during a Sept. 16 Board of Aldermen meeting about how Thorn received a mountain bike while at a conference in August 2007 in Kansas City.
Mayor Greg Costello said Wednesday morning that he had spoken with the sheriff’s department on behalf of the city earlier that day and asked for the investigation.
Thorn said she won the bike in a raffle in which 200 other people were entered.
Beelek said he had doubts about Thorn accepting the gift, as city policy prohibits city employees from accepting gifts — not even a plate of cookies at Christmas time from a resident, he said.
Thorn said she requested the investigation into the incident.
"When someone makes allegations of something inappropriate, I believe it needs to be investigated to be able to provide proof that it is an incorrect allegation," she said.
Costello said he requested that any former city employees now employed with the sheriff’s department not be involved with the investigation should the sheriff decide to pursue the request.
The city would also bear any costs generated by the investigation, he said.
Sheriff Kevin Harrison said he had received the city’s request, but had not begun an official investigation.
"My plans are, I’m going to have further conversations with the city and we’ll decide how to proceed with it," he said.
Check back with the Journal for more updates on this story.
