Monday, Sep. 14, 2009

Belleville school's dispute with copiers supplier attracts state's attention

BELLEVILLE -- The dispute between Governor French Academy and the Okawville man the school is accusing of civil fraud has caught the attention of local, state and federal authorities.

The Illinois Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Bureau is looking into the case, and Belleville police are assisting the FBI on its probe. None of the agencies is calling it a criminal investigation.

"All we can say is that we received information from Governor French," said Scott Mulford, of the Attorney General's office, who added that the school contacted the office last week. "And we are reviewing that complaint."

Governor French is seeking $50,000 in damages and fees from Kevin Welch, of Okawville, regarding a dispute involving leases for copy machines that it returned to Welch in exchange for newer copiers under their two-machine lease, according to the complaint. Welch could not be reached for comment.

The complaint accuses Welch of pocketing money from leases rather than paying suppliers.

Now seven companies are suing the private K-12 school, accusing it of being in possession of 14 copiers. Phillip Paeltz, head administrator, said has said the value of the leases and the machines comes to an estimated $500,000.

Belleville Police Capt. Don Sax said it is difficult to determine whether a criminal investigation will take place until more details are available. He said it is also hard to say whether the case will ever be prosecuted since the contracts in question are civil.

For more on this story, read the News-Democrat on Tuesday or return Tuesday to bnd.com.