
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 29, 1994                   TAG: 9406300079
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                LENGTH: Short

RADFORD GARAGE INVESTIGATION REPORT GIVEN TO SPECIAL PROSECUTOR

State Police have completed an investigation of complaints made against Radford's city garage and possibly other departments.

A report on the investigation has been turned over to Phil Keith, Montgomery County's commonwealth's attorney and special prosecutor in the investigation, Assistant Special Agent Bob Perry said this week.

Keith said Tuesday he has received the report from the state police and is reviewing the findings.

State police began their investigation earlier this year after receiving an anonymous letter alleging theft of city property, bid-rigging and conflict of interest.

A May 26 arrest by Radford police of a city shop mechanic is indirectly connected to the investigation.

Melvin Fred Golden, 46, of Christiansburg was charged with stealing two dump-truck tires from the city garage. A preliminary hearing is set for July 18 in Radford General District Court.

While Radford's investigation of the theft was independent of the state police investigation, the anonymous letter referred to the incident, state police said.

The aspect of the investigation that might involve another department apparently focuses on an allegation of bid-rigging and conflict of interest arising from the city's new health insurance contract, but the reason is unclear.

Radford recently negotiated a new contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield that takes effect Friday. City Manager Bob Asbury said City Council used a consultant who made an analysis of available carriers then made recommendations.

by CNB