SAN BENITO — The police department will request an audit of records in an ongoing investigation of the city’s former Economic Development Corporation director.
Yesterday, Police Chief Michael Galvan said he wants an internal or outside audit of accounting records and other information to continue the investigation into Salomon Torres, who was fired in March.
Galvan declined to disclose further information in the investigation launched after Torres was fired.
“We’re looking at everything,” Galvan said.
EDC board member Mark Moody said he requested a report on the status of the investigation.
Moody said he expects to see the report at the next EDC board meeting Nov. 17.
“I have not received information from Day 1 on the status of the investigation,” Moody, a former city commissioner, said. “I’m one that if there’s something there, push it; if there’s not, put it to bed — don’t ruin a man’s reputation.”
But Mayor Celeste Sanchez, who seemed stunned to hear about the probe, said there never was a city investigation into Torres.
Board member J.D. Penny said he also was unaware of the investigation.
“I thought it was mostly all rumors,” said Penny, a former city commissioner.
Galvan declined to discuss details that led to the investigation.
“There was something that was found and the police department took possession of it and that’s what led to the investigation,” Galvan only said.
Former EDC Chairman Pete Claudio said he was “very surprised” Torres was the target of an investigation.
“I’m in the dark, as a lot of people are,” Claudio said.
Claudio said Torres was doing a good job.
“When he was there, he was bringing the city forward,” Claudio said.
Former EDC board member Victor Garza said Torres’ firing shocked him.
“I was surprised they let him go,” said Garza, a former city commissioner.
City Manager Manuel de la Rosa and Assistant City Manager Art Rodriguez have declined to comment on Torres’ firing, calling it a “personnel matter.”
Torres, who served as the EDC’s executive director since 2012, could not be reached for comment.
