Pocono News Section

Human Resources Manager Fired, FBI Searches Offices

Human Resources Manager Fired, FBI Searches Offices - Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 6:00PM EST

Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 @ 06:00pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY -- Luzerne County Human Resources Manager Doug Richards announced yesterday he would resign December 4th. Today the county fired him. It all has to do with the awarding of county contracts several years ago.

Eyewitness News was there as two FBI agents took records out of the county manager's office Wednesday afternoon. Those records deal with contracts that were signed by Doug Richards in 2007 with a consulting firm from New York City.

Richards told the county Tuesday that he would resign as of December 4th to enter the private sector.

Today when county commissioners asked him about those contracts he refused to answer those questions. According to Commission Chairperson Mary Ann Petrilla, Richards was fired

Then the FBI paid a surprise visit to the courthouse and took records. County leaders confirm those records involve contracts signed by Doug Richards.