Breaking: Metro To Have Outsiders Investigate Chief's Alleged "Inappropriate Relationship"

METRO Chairman David S. Wolff announced that he has asked UHY Advisors, a global business advisory and consulting company, to conduct an independent investigation into allegations that public funds were misused at METRO because of an inappropriate relationship. The allegations were made March 10 in the 61st District Court by Michael West, who is representing Lloyd Kelley in a civil lawsuit against METRO concerning Mr. Kelley's Open Records requests.

The probe begins today and will be led by Jeff Harfenist, a Managing Director who is the Texas Practice Leader and National Fraud and Forensics Service Line Leader for the Forensic, Litigation and Valuation Services Group of UHY Advisors. The investigation will focus on expense reports and other related documents.

"METRO's Board of Directors and staff have worked very hard over the past six years to improve mobility in Houston and build the public's confidence in their transit agency. An independent investigation is necessary to maintain that trust," Mr. Wolff said, adding that the allegation of wrongdoing is being taken seriously whether or not it has merit.

METRO has informed the District Attorney's office of this investigation. Additionally, METRO will continue to cooperate with the DA's ongoing investigation into allegations by Mr. Kelley that documents were improperly withheld by METRO.