In November, Carolina Journal Associate Editor David Bass reported that Division of Motor Vehicles employees who received meals and other perks from Verizon Business likely were given alcohol, too. Today’s News & Observer reports that the DMV has disciplined but not fired nine of the 20-plus employees involved, and that “the telecom giant’s employees paid for food and liquor,” Michael Biesecker wrote. “The employees who accepted the most meals and gifts are no longer at the agency.” Those still working at DMV will get additional ethics training.
Bass was the first to report that wining probably was part of the dining. “It?s illegal for state agencies to use taxpayer funds to reimburse for alcohol,” Bass wrote.
In many cases, the per-attendee cost was high
enough to indicate the tab included alcohol. In September 2008, for
instance, two Verizon salesmen treated five individuals, including three
state employees, to a $570.48 meal at an undisclosed Mediterranean
restaurant. The cost per attendee was $81.50.
DMV officials told Bass they did not have itemized receipts for those meals.
The probe of Verizon’s role in securing a no-bid contract for computer and data services at DMV offices could lead to criminal charges against the employees. Biesecker noted that the State Bureau of Investigation will soon decide whether to make a criminal referral to Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby.
