LIVINGSTON — The Director of Public Works and a DPW supervisor for the Town of Livingston were arrested on felony charges and have now been placed on administrative leave by the town as the investigation continues.
“Right now the town does not have a lot of information. This was our police department that has been doing the investigation,” Livingston Mayor Jonathan “JT” Taylor told UWK. “The town, the mayor’s office, and myself has not received any of the findings. We are currently doing an internal investigation as well to try to find out what exactly was going on. Until that time, they are placed on administrative leave.”
But Livingston re-elected Police Chief Randy Dufrene told UWK “I have always ran a transparent agency and will continue to do so for the next four years. However at this time, due to how active this investigation is, we are limited on the information we can release. I am more than willing to work with the Mayor’s office in order to assist them in their administrative investigation by sharing evidence we have currently collected, however the Mayor nor anyone from his office have reached out to request any information at this time.”
Public Works Director Patrick Bell and Public Works Supervisor Earl Edwards face charges of malfeasance in office, public contractor fraud, and injuring public records.
According to an arrest warrant, the charges are connected to a man lift rented by the town from a privately owned business. Livingston Police Department investigators obtained financial records revealing that the man lift was actually owned by Bell, and the rental payments were being forwarded to a third party from whom Bell had purchased another piece of heavy machinery.
Bell allegedly told the seller that the Town of Livingston would forward the rental payments, which would cover the cost of the dozer he had purchased, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit also states that Bell owns a private company called Bell’s Clearing & Dirt Work Services LLC, where Edwards is employed part-time.
While Taylor said he can’t comment on the incident outright since it’s an ongoing investigation, he said he and the town are taking the allegations seriously.
“We are going to do whatever we need to do to find out what exactly was taking place. And if we have to put checks and balances in in the future to make sure it doesn’t, that’s what will happen,” Taylor said. “My job is to look over the town and make sure we’re doing what’s right so I’m going to take every allegation seriously but they are allegations and at this time, I’m not going to cast any judgment or speculate if anyone’s guilty until proven so.”
The investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.
This is a developing story. As soon as more details are provided, the story will be updated. Check back for new information.
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