SBI report not in yet on Duplin EMS
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on June 28, 2006 1:53 PM
KENANSVILLE -- County officials are waiting for the results of a State Bureau of Investigation report before determining if anyone will be charged in connection with alleged antitrust violations involving Duplin County Emergency Medical Services.
The SBI investigation centers around methods employed by former EMS director Curtis Brock and other county officials in an attempt to gain information on emergency services contracts in the county.
District Attorney Dewey Hudson's office said no charges will be filed until the inquiry is complete.
"It's still pending," Assistant District Attorney Mike Maultsby said of the investigation. "We're just waiting for the SBI to do a couple things. They're the primary investigators."
Maultsby would not elaborate on what could result from the investigation.
"We're talking about potential charges," Maultsby said. "I'm not saying any will be filed, but with potential charges, it wouldn't be appropriate to comment at this time."
Brock resigned in April after several weeks of administrative leave.
In January, county commissioners added two EMS sites to the county, bringing the total to eight sites. To help pay for those sites, Brock and former County Manager Fred Eldridge recommended in March that the county agency investigate non-emergency and inter-facility transports.