Smelterville audit becomes federal investigation

SMELTERVILLE — Smelterville Mayor Tom Benson said Monday that an internal city investigation that’s been underway for several months has now turned into a federal investigation.

Before the audit investigation was turned over to federal authorities, the City Council’s Sept. 6 agenda included an action item about meeting with legal counsel for an executive session related to the legal ramifications and options for pending litigation or controversies not yet being litigated, but imminently likely to be litigated.

“After the annual audit, it was found that an investigation was needed,” Benson said. 

Benson was not able to divulge many details of the investigation due to its ongoing nature, but said the investigation could take anywhere from four to six months from now.

In the meantime, the mayor and city officials have been answering questions to bring the federal investigation up to speed regarding details of the audit. At this time, the Press is working on obtaining more information about the investigation into the audit findings.

CLARIFICATION: The auditor is not being investigated, just the audit findings.