PRESS RELEASE: City of Warsaw Mayor's Office Release
Mayor’s Office Press Release
March 25, 2014
An aggressive investigation led by the Warsaw Police Department has uncovered enough evidence to bring formal charges against former Warsaw Street Superintendent Lacy Francis, Jr. and two employees of Proform Pipe Lining, Inc., Mark V. Campbell and Kevin R. Brown. ProForm, a long-time contractor for the City of Warsaw, is located in Mishawaka, Indiana. Also assisting with the investigation is the Indiana State Board of Accounts, who was immediately notified when the irregularities were discovered.
At issue was authorization and payment for work never done. The newly created City Stormwater Utility had been in the process of inventorying aging stormwater lines to determine the quantity of pipe that had previously been lined or repaired. The City received information on December 23, 2013 that alleged overbilling by ProForm. Mayor Joe Thallemer launched an investigation on December 24, 2013. Subsequent investigation revealed eleven billing discrepancies amounting to over $260,000. The claims for each of these projects were approved and submitted to the Warsaw Clerk-Treasurer’s Office for payment by Mr. Francis.
Evidence gathered during the investigation has resulted in charges against the three involved individuals. Search warrants were also served simultaneously. The Kosciusko County Prosecutor has issued a probable cause affidavit in support of the charges.
The pending charges speak for themselves: Corruption, Theft, Providing False Information to a Government Entity, Misconduct, and Conflict of Interest. Law enforcement continues to gather further evidence.
Francis was a twenty-two year employee for the City of Warsaw, the last twelve years serving as street superintendent. He resigned from the City on January 27, 2014. ProForm Pipe Lining has done work for the City dating back to the 1990s.
“At the root of the pending charges is the blatant abuse of the public’s trust. It is unacceptable” Thallemer said. “On behalf of our taxpayers, we will pursue full prosecution of all charges against everyone involved and, if convicted, push for maximum penalties and full restitution.”
Joseph M. Thallemer
Mayor
City of Warsaw
Address/Location
City of Warsaw Police Department
2191 East Fort Wayne Street
Warsaw, IN 46580
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 574-372-9515