Ex-contractor cleared by feds
Probe of Gen. Services
A former contractor investigated by the FBI as part of a probe of the city of Memphis’ General Services Division has been cleared of wrongdoing.
“It caused me hardship. I lost a lot of money,’’ said Annie Rice, owner of Bass Annie, a marine fleet body shop, one of two contractors investigated in 2010 as part of a federal inquiry into dealings by former mayor Willie W. Herenton’s administration.
Rice gave The Commercial Appeal a copy of a one-sentence letter from U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton that says, “This is to advise that the federal criminal investigation into the business relationship between ‘Bass Annie’ Inc. and the city of Memphis is closed.’’
Stanton spokesman Walter Gunn authenticated the letter, but declined to provide further information about the investigation. “Other than that we don’t have a comment,’’ he said.
The FBI sent a letter to City Hall in February 2010 seeking copies of contracts, invoices and canceled checks written to Bass Annie and Around Town Tire & Trucking. The FBI also obtained a copy of former General Services director Estrice “Bud’’ Boone’s e-mail account. Boone said at the time he welcomed the inquiry, saying the only thing the FBI would find is that he saved the city money.
The FBI probe came amid separate city and media investigations that found waste and inefficiencies at General Services, the division re- sponsible for maintaining the city’s vehicle fleet.
FBI spokesman Joel Siskovic declined Wednesday to comment on the probe. City Atty. Herman Morris said he doesn’t recall ever receiving any updates from the FBI or the U.S. Attorney’s Office about the investigation.
Rice said she’s relieved that the probe of her is over.
“I’m an old lady. I’m trying to make a decent and honest living,’’ said Rice, 62. “The FBI cleared me of that. I need you all to get my name out there to let (the public) know I’m not a crook.”