Clayton investigates possible misuse of funds

Clayton Board of Commissioners is investigating whether the former head of the county’s housing authority improperly directed funds for a renovation project to a company he owns.

The commission, in a 5-1 vote on Tuesday, agreed to audit permits and expenses the officials allege may have benefited Michael Bryant in the renovation last year of the housing authority’s offices in Forest Park.

The board’s decision is the latest salvo in a fight with Bryant that began in September when the former housing leader was accused of funneling as much as $32,000 to Bryant’s Construction Group through a different entity: Two Brothers Carpentry.

Two Brothers had been approved by the housing authority board to renovate the housing authority offices, but the county attorney alleged that invoices from Two Brothers were actually paid to Bryant’s Construction. Permits by the city of Forest Park for the renovations also were issued to Bryant’s Construction, the commission alleged.

Bryant, who was removed as chairman of the housing authority by the commission Nov. 2, has denied the allegations and said what money he did receive — about $700 — was reimbursement for a building permit he paid for out of pocket for the renovation work.

Bryant could not be reached for comment Wednesday on the audit.

Commission Chairman Jeff Turner, who voted against the measure, said he preferred the matter be handled by an independent auditing firm to ensure the investigation is transparent. He said because the findings could potentially result in a criminal complaint, the audit needs to be free of any accusations of bias.

“I’m not opposed to the audit, but there have been some serious allegations that go beyond just the scope of the rehabilitation” of the housing authority building, he said. “I would like to see, actually, the scope enlarged as well as outside entity to conduct an external audit.”