ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, August 14, 1996 TAG: 9608140045
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: ABINGDON
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
The former executive director of a federally funded jobs program will be sentenced Oct. 28 for taking a $15,000 bribe concerning a $50,000 contract.
Gerald Griswold, had pleaded innocent in U.S. District Court in Abingdon to four charges of fraud and conspiracy, but recently entered a guilty plea to the single charge. The former head of the New River/Mount Rogers Private Industry Council had been charged with seeking and receiving a bribe to award a contract, and then lying about it when questioned by law enforcement officers.
Griswold, 52, also was former owner of Administration, Training & Services Inc., which administered the private industry council. He had been the council's executive director since 1983.
The council covers towns in the New River and Mount Rogers planning districts, from Giles, Montgomery and Floyd counties west to Washington County. It uses federal funds to create jobs for disadvantaged workers.
The investigation by U.S. Labor Department and state police led to the indictments. The original charges could have brought sentences of 27 years and fines of $1 million. The charge to which Griswold has admitted carries maximum penalties of one year or $100,000 fine.
LENGTH: Short : 33 linesby CNB