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Mark C. Poloncarz, Comptroller
07/02/09
POLONCARZ COMMENTS ON SUCCESSFUL INVESTIGATION VIA WHISTLEBLOWER TIP LINE

County Employee Fired for Falsifying Time Records and Not Working

Erie County Comptroller Mark C. Poloncarz today commented on an investigation recently undertaken by his Division of Audit and Control which found a County employee falsifying time records and spending their time at home while supposed to be working.

In May 2009, the Comptroller's Office received an anonymous tip via our waste, fraud and abuse tip line system. The report alleged that a County employee whose responsibilities included routine field work outside of an office environment was regularly not working and was at their residence while supposed to be working and being paid as such. The report provided specific and credible information. Auditors from the Comptroller's Office immediately commenced an investigation and started monitoring the employee in the field. The Comptroller's Office confirmed the substance of the tip and reported our findings to the employee's department head and the Erie County Personnel Commissioner for appropriate action.

Acting on the Comptroller's investigation, and after consulting with the Department of Personnel and the County's Department of Labor Relations, the employee's department held a disciplinary meeting and then immediately terminated the employee from the County.

Comptroller Poloncarz said "This episode demonstrates that when my office receives any reports of tips of possible waste, fraud or abuse we do and will investigate every report and pursue every lead. The taxpayers demand no less." He added, "I continue to encourage persons with any information about possible abuse in Erie County government to contact my office."

In July 2008, Comptroller Poloncarz created new telephone and e-mail tip lines for individuals to report possible waste, fraud or abuse in County government. The telephone tip line number is (716) 858-7722 and the e-mail address is whistleblower@erie.gov. Since creating the new reporting mechanisms, the tip lines have taken 150 complaints, all of which have been investigated or, in the case of non-County matters, referred to the appropriate officials.

Poloncarz further noted "In summer 2007 we received a similar anonymous report of abuse involving a County employee who was at his home while supposed to be working. Our auditors investigated the allegations, which included field work and following the employee's movements during the day. We determined that the anonymous report was accurate and we recommended that disciplinary actions be taken against the employee who was violating the taxpayer's trust and engaging in wrongdoing."

Poloncarz concluded: "For my part, as the County's independent taxpayer watchdog, my office will continue to investigate every allegation and, working with other County officials, pursue any party that engages in wrongdoing against the County."