Putnam investigation still ongoing

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Some workers at Putnam Vocational Technical High School have been accused of misusing funds, and an investigation is pending, but some city councilors still are not happy.

The investigation into misuse of funds began last year, and some workers at Putnam Vocational Technical High School have been suspended, some have resigned, and one employee was fired. Now, The Hampden County District Attorney's Office is trying to determine if anything criminal happened.

On Wednesday, the City Council Audit Committee held a progress meeting on the investigation, and the findings of this audit will not be made public for another month. According to Ward 4 Councilor E. Henry Twiggs, school officials, a city council committee, and the mayor all need to review it first.

Ward 3 City Councilor Melvin Edwards says that this nine month-long investigation needs to move faster so the Hampden County D.A. can take action. “If you're terminating people, then you're probably dealing with something that's to the degree that the District Attorney should be prosecuting. If its misappropriation of tax dollars, then people should be prosecuted to the full extent,” Edwards said.

The D.A. is looking into this now, as well. If he discovers anything criminal, he will open a full investigation.