by Amanda Harnocz
Reporter
Tallmadge -- The city has hired a temporary forensic accountant, George Farragher, to further investigate finances at the recreation center, according to Law Director Penny Taylor.
City Council approved legislation Sept. 11 allowing Tallmadge to spend up to $20,000 on the auditor, who was directed to investigate all of the contracts former Rec Facility Manager Tom Headrick handled during his four years as manager, said Taylor.
Headrick pleaded guilty to one felony count of theft in office July 28, after more than $120,000 was reported missing by Taylor to the Tallmadge Police Department in March.
Taylor said Farragher, of BBP Partners LLC, will be paid hourly.
City officials deemed it necessary to hire a forensic accountant after some internal auditing showed two city checks were cashed and never deposited into a city account.
The checks were donations from Gionino's Pizzeria and Ritchie's Sporting Goods, totaling $6,700, according to court records.
Headrick's sentencing was postponed on Sept. 4 because the amount of restitution owed could not be determined after finding the two checks that were cashed, according to Assistant Prosecutor Mary Ann Kovach.
"Hopefully [the criminal investigation] will be done on or before Nov. 1," Taylor said.
Mayor Christopher Grimm said he will prosecute to the fullest extent and wants to ensure all stolen money are returned to the city.
Grimm said he is unsure if any additional money will be found, but plans to add the forensic auditor's cost to the amount of restitution owed.
"Mr. Farragher is very experienced in forensic auditing, has no conflict of interest issue with the city or any party involved, he has no personal agenda in Tallmadge and is well aware of how internal thefts occur," Taylor said.
"Any findings will be turned over to the prosecutor and to law enforcement."