Investigation continues into ‘financial improprieties’ in MCPS transportation department

It has been 4 months because two directors in Montgomery County Public Schools’ transportation office have been placed on leave although police investigated allegations of “financial improprieties.”

Officials say the investigation carries on, but are tight-lipped on new particulars.

In mid-November, MCPS verified to Bethesda Defeat that department Director Todd Watkins and Assistant Director Charles Ewald ended up put on administrative leave when the allegations were elevated.

MCPS at the time did not say what the allegations have been, who built them or who in the district’s Office of Transportation was included.

At the time, MCPS declined to remark additional, citing the ongoing investigation, but claimed additional information and facts would be shared “in the coming months.”

There have been no public updates considering the fact that.

In a statement to Bethesda Conquer on Thursday, MCPS spokesman Chris Cram wrote: “The investigation is ongoing and the district proceeds to cooperate with Montgomery County Police on this issue.”

He claimed there is no new information and facts about the investigation, what allegedly happened or a timeline for its resolution due to the fact the investigation is ongoing.

He declined to offer an update on Watkins’ and Ewald’s work standing.

“With respect to the staff members you are inquiring about, it stays a private staff subject,” the statement stated.

MCPS earlier disclosed that Watkins and Ewald have been placed on administrative depart.

Requested if that is however exact, Cram wrote that they were being placed on administrative go away at the time, but, “I do not have an update as to their position as it is a confidential personnel subject.”

Neither is stated in the MCPS workers listing.

An automatic reaction to an electronic mail to Watkins trying to get remark reported, “I am currently out of the business office on depart.” It does not say when he is anticipated to return, but directs men and women to call Eugenia Dawson, MCPS’ main of finance and operations, in his absence.

Michael Lewis was declared in November as the department’s acting director. That continues to be his title in the MCPS personnel listing as of Friday morning.

MCPS operates about 1,200 university buses for its 209 universities.

Caitlynn Peetz can be arrived at at [email protected]