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Home » Exercise Programs » Some fitness classes suspended after launch of police probe into payroll issue – Massillon Independent

Massillon Police Chief Keith Moser: Two Rec Center employees were paid for more hours than they worked.

MASSILLONA pair of recreational exercise programs offered by the city have been scaled back as police investigate a payroll issue in which two contracted fitness trainers were overpaid.

Classes for Silver Sneakers and Zumba taught by the trainers have been canceled since the launch of a police investigation that began Thursday, after city officials said they learned of the discrepancy at the Massillon Recreation Center. Parks and Recreation Director Kim O'Farrell, whose resignation was pending, was immediately fired after the payroll questions came to light.

Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry said the two part-time fitness instructors have not been fired or suspended, but their status has been idle since late last week.

"They're not having any classes right now," said the mayor during an interview Monday afternoon at The Independent office. Police Chief Keith Moser, Civil Service Administrator Joe Alessandro and Parks and Recreation Board Chairman Dave Harding also attended the meeting.

Det. Jason Gohlike has been assigned to handle the case, according to Moser, who said the immediate focus of the investigation is on, but not limited to, three people O'Farrell, who was fired Thursday, and the two instructors. The chief declined to name the individuals.

"We're talking with people and gathering facts ... to see if there are any criminal elements," the chief said.

Both employees, who work as fitness instructors in the Recreation Center, were being paid at a rate of $20 per hour when their hourly rate was set at $8.15 per hour for one and $10 per hour for the other.

"It looks like it was a two-for-one deal. It showed them receiving more hours than they worked," said Moser.

The Rec Center also contracts with eight other fitness instructors who each are paid $20 per hour.

The police investigation is attempting to determinehow long the payroll practice had been occurring, how it started and who authorized it. There is no timetable to complete the probe.

"We want to find out where the break is so we can correct it," said Catazaro-Perry, adding that she plans to notify the state Public Employees Retirement System as a precautionary measure.

During City Council's work session Monday night, an approximately 35-minute executive session was called to discuss O'Farrell and personnel at the Rec Center. There was no public discussion on the payroll discrepancy.

Council members were mostly mum on the issue following the executive session.

"Let the city do its thing and the police do their job," said Councilman Ed Lewis, R-at large.

Council President Claudette Istnick said part of the session involved the mayor notifying members of the police investigation and a potential payroll audit at the Rec Center.

The payroll issue came to light Wednesday, when O'Farrell met with Safety-Service Director Joel Smith for a meeting aimed at easing the transition from her to Steve Pedro as interim parks director. O'Farrell submitted her resignation notice about two weeks ago and was slated to work through May 12.

Pedro was also present during the meeting, whereO'Farrell explained that it had been an ongoing practice she had "inherited."

Once the police investigation is concluded, evidence will be shared with City Law Director Andrea Scassa, who will help determine whether a recommendation on any criminal charges will be forwarded to the Stark County Prosecutor's Office, Moser said.

Reach Steven at 330-775-1134or at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter:@sgrazierINDE

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Some fitness classes suspended after launch of police probe into payroll issue - Massillon Independent

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Home » Exercise Programs » Some fitness classes suspended after launch of police probe into payroll issue – Massillon Independent