Highway chief quits amid FBI investigation

By Nancy Gish SOUTHTOWNS CORRESPONDENT
Updated: 02/27/08 6:49 AM


David Pierce, Marilla’s highway superintendent for the past 20 years, has resigned — nearly two weeks after the FBI subpoenaed all records from the town’s highway garage.

Supervisor George Gertz said the FBI was investigating possible kickbacks from vendors and skimming the proceeds of scrap metal sales — a probe that has continued for the past two years. Gertz said he learned of the investigation when he was elected supervisor in November.

Gertz, who also had served on the Town Board before he became supervisor, noted that the FBI was tipped off by someone in the Highway Department.

On Feb. 12, Pierce met with the FBI, Gertz said, and the subpoena was filed Feb. 13.

At this point, Gertz said, the superintendent “went berserk,” damaging two highway trucks — one found in a ditch in Sheldon, Wyoming County, with its undercarriage damaged and the other on Three Rod Road in Marilla, where it was driven into a utility pole.

Pierce was the last person seen driving both vehicles, officials said.

On the evening of Feb. 13, Pierce was transported to Erie County Medical Center after he was found unconscious on the living room floor of his home, Gertz added. He remained hospitalized for a week, undergoing observation.

Gertz said the only charges against Pierce are leaving the scene of an accident — a charge lodged by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

“We don’t expect to get any information back from the FBI for at least four to six weeks, and they won’t tell us how much if any money is involved,” he said.

Gertz has taken over Pierce’s duties for now.

Pierce’s resignation was dated Friday and was received by town officials on Tuesday.

Find this article at:
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregio...ry/286248.html