by
Jeff Jellison
Hamilton County Reporter
Hamilton County Prosecutor Lee Buckingham remains quiet on a State Police investigation into the County Treasurer’s Office.
Buckingham
The Treasurer’s Office was the focus of an investigation, requested by Hamilton County Commissioners in December, after a former employee alleged penalties were waived for late tax payments made by family members of the Treasurer’s Office.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Lee Buckingham has refused comment on the investigation.
In April, Buckingham stated it was his policy not to comment on an investigation.
This week when asked about the status of the investigation, Buckingham again replied, “No comment.”
Reports have surfaced that Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton has been assigned as Special Prosecutor to the case by Hamilton County Judge Paul Felix. Buckingham did not respond to a request to confirm Eaton’s assignment.
Dillinger
“I trust Lee Buckingham, but this is becoming frustrating,” said Hamilton County Commissioner Steve Dillinger.
Dillinger expressed his frustration stating, “We may need to make some changes in the Treasurer’s Office, but until the investigation is concluded we can’t.”
Dillinger told The Reporter earlier this year the Treasurer’s Office was in “upheaval,” and surveillance cameras have been installed to help monitor the handling of cash.
Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt said, “This has went on longer than expected. I would have thought we would have some information from the Prosecutor’s Office by now. Hopefully, we will see something soon and be able to put any concerns to rest.”
Heirbrandt
Former Treasurer’s Office employee Susan Byer has filed a lawsuit against the county. Byer’s suit alleges she was unjustly terminated, and the action was in retaliation for the confrontation with Kim Good over Good posting family members’ payments as on time when they were in fact late.
Commissioners have described Byer as a “disgruntled employee.”
A jury trial for Byer’s civil suit is scheduled for April 27, 2020.