Canton Recreation Department Under Investigation; One Gone, Two Employees on Leave

Expect some changes at the Canton Recreation Department.

The , the , the Recreation Commission and the state Attorney General's Office are investigating "financial irregularities" in the Recreation Department, according to a statement issued by the town.

The town "is continuing its review of financial irregularities brought to the Board’s attention after commissioning and completing an independent audit of the Recreation Department revolving fund," according to a press release posted on the town's website. "This fund supports various recreation programs and services provided by the to the community."

There are three Recreation Department employees being investigated, according to the release. One is no longer working for the town and two are on  "administrative leave as of Friday, February 3, 2012, pending the results of this review and the conclusion of possible personnel administrative procedures scheduled to take place on or about the week of February 20, 2012."

On Monday, no information was up on the town website regarding any personnel changes at the Rec Department. The town's website still lists as Director, Brian Kiely as Recreation Supervisor and as Secretary. On the Recreation Department's own website, Jeff Kaylor is still listed as Recreation Director.

Canton Patch left a voicemail at the Recreation Department, but it had not been returned as of press time today.

An email sent directly to Director Jeff Kaylor received an automatic "Out of Office" message with no text in the message.

Town Administrator Bill Friel said the Board of Selectmen's press release is in fact their statement. 

Police Chief Ken Berkowitz is out of the office today and Lt. Patty Sherrill did not have information on the investigation.

The Attorney General Office's press spokesman said it is policy to neither confirm nor deny an investigation.

According to the town's release, the BOS "authorized temporary contingency Recreation Department staffing to be put in place to ensure the continuity of Recreation Department services and operations. It is expected that any required personnel administrative procedures will be concluded by the end of February."

"The goal of the Board is to ensure the completion of a thorough, expeditious and fair review and to provide the public with timely and accurate information as soon as possible," the press release stated.