LeROY — A criminal investigation is underway into allegations that an employee of the LeRoy Replex may have taken money from the recreation center.
In a statement Wednesday, LeRoy Park District Board attorney Thomas Pliura said the board "first learned about potential financial irregularities in the books and accounts" of the facility on Tuesday morning.
An unnamed employee has been fired and an interim replacement named, said Pliura. Replex Executive Director Joe Rhodts was not at the facility and a message left for him by The Pantagraph was not returned.
McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage confirmed that his office is investigating the allegations.
A forensic audit will be conducted in the near future, said Pliura.
"At this time, it is unclear as to the exact nature or amount of the financial irregularities. The board believes a significant amount of funds may be involved," said a statement released by Pliura.
Pliura said the park district board "took steps to verify the evidence and the individual involved was promptly relieved of their duties. It went extremely quickly," he said.
News of the alleged theft hit board members hard, Pliura told The Pantagraph. "The board felt like it had received a gut punch right to the belly," he said.
Since its opening in 2009, the $4.5 million Replex has survived numerous challenges to its organizational structure and calls for closure. Some residents questioned the viability of the sprawling recreation center with its indoor and outdoor pools, gym and exercise area, but the city and park board have managed to sustain membership and support for the facility.
Pliura said the board's statement was intended to provide the public with as much initial information as possible after the alleged losses were discovered. He said a full public accounting of the losses will be made.
(4) comments
Someone just had to call the police. LOL
QUOTE FROM ARTICLE: Since its opening in 2009, the $4.5 million Replex has survived numerous challenges to its organizational structure and calls for closure. Some residents questioned the viability of the sprawling recreation center with its indoor and outdoor pools, gym and exercise area, but the city and park board have managed to sustain membership and support for the facility.
Has the city and park boards sustained membership and support for the facility by getting paying customers to buy memberships that fully fund operations? Or have they only sustained these things with subsidies stolen from taxpayers who never use the facility?
You're right! I never drive on most rural roads -- those folks are stealing from me! I don't have kids -- yours stole from me if the went to public schools! I only want to pay for the things I use. Me, Me, ME !!!! You got it, bubba!
You are so Liberal that you can't separate NEEDS from WANTS. Roads are a need, people can choose to not drive on them, and in that manner they don't pay the motor fuel taxes that build and maintain the roads.
As for schools, I agree with you that if you don't have kids in a public school then you should get a large tax exemption that approaches 100%. Schools should have a funding model that relies on tuition paid by parents who enroll for a majority of funding.
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