HOUSTON -- Metro has launched what it calls an independent investigation into allegations recently made against its president and CEO Frank Wilson, accusing him of using public money to further an “improper” relationship.
Chairman David Wolff has asked UHY Advisors, a global business advisory and consulting company, to conduct an investigation into allegations that public funds were misused at Metro because of an inappropriate relationship.
11 News reported last week on allegations made by attorney Michael West both during and following a hearing in the 61st District Court. West, who is representing Lloyd Kelley in a civil lawsuit against Metro, said Wilson had a “girlfriend” who received “fringe benefits” including, but not limited to, a trip to Spain.
Metro says the probe began Tuesday and will be led by Jeff Harfenist, a managing director who is the Texas Practice Leader and National Fraud and Forensics Service Line Leader for the Forensic, Litigation and Valuation Services Group of UHY Advisors. Metro says the investigation will focus on “expense reports and other related documents.”
However, within hours of Metro’s announcement, 11 News uncovered new questions about the true “independence” of the investigation. Metro spokesperson Raequel Roberts told 11 News she believes Metro will be funding the investigation itself.
Ironically, 11 News has discovered at the same time Metro launches its own investigation, it hopes to stop a different investigation from gaining steam -- that of attorney Michael West. West wants to interview key Metro executives under oath as part of his civil lawsuit regarding possible destroyed documents, and he has requested to do so within the next two weeks. But 11 News has obtained new court filings dated Monday in which Metro is trying to “quash” West’s attempt.
