By Mallory Panuska
Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT —
A seven-month investigation into an alleged “copper caper” at the county jail has resulted in a stated victory for taxpayers in the form of a $10,000 insurance check.
The first of two expected payments the commissioners are looking to receive as part of ongoing efforts to replace and restore thousands of dollars worth of copper pipes at the historic downtown facility, a negotiated bond settlement for this amount was accepted by the commission Wednesday in a 2-1 majority.
The settlement check, authorized by Westfield Insurance Co., will be used to replace pipes taken from sinks, toilets and other amenities throughout the four stories of the building under the permission of former Commissioner Alan Parks several years ago.
Commission President Randy Elliott, Commissioner Burley “Butch” Tennant and county administrator Kris Cinalli discovered that the materials were missing on a tour of the facility in May 2009. A police investigation ensued, turning up Parks as the responsible culprit.
