Theft stirs worries for E. Ind. development group

RICHMOND, Ind. — Some officials are concerned about the financial stability and effectiveness of an eastern Indiana economic development group after it lost more than $100,000 in a suspected electronic theft.

The Wayne County commissioners have withheld $4,500 from the county’s $12,000 annual membership fee to the five-county Eastern Indiana Development District. Commissioners president Doug Williamson tells the Palladium-Item that the group appears shaky and county officials want to make sure it survives.

A state police spokesman says an investigation into the missing money that started in January is continuing.

Development district director Nancy Kinder says Henry, Randolph, Rush and Union counties have continued to pay their full membership fees. She says the agency has paid all its back expenses and expects to have the missing money reimbursed by its bonding agent.