FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF)- Fort Worth City Manager David Cooke has initiated an audit and criminal investigation following the termination of the director of the city’s Aviation Department.
Assistant City Manager Fernando Costa said they fired Aviation Director Bill Welstead on September 9th following an internal investigation. He said then stories came out about wrong doing within the department.
“Wrongdoings include fraud, waste and abuse and we are determining what happened, how much it cost the city and how much it’ll take to recover,” said Costa.
Wednesday, Cooke informed the City Council that he has asked the City Auditor and the Fort Worth Police Department to further investigate additional allegations involving the former director. Cooke stated that the investigations could take several weeks and updates will be provided as findings are made.
“Ethical behavior and accountability are two of our core values here at the City of Fort Worth,” Cooke said. “We expect all city employees to practice these values, especially our department leaders.”
Roger Venables will serve as the interim director for the Aviation Department. Venables normally serves as an assistant director for the city’s Property Management Department.
