Township manager placed on leave

District attorney’s office investigating suspicious transactions in the township’s bank accounts

KENNETT TOWNSHIP >> The manager for Kennett Township has been placed on administrative leave while the Chester County District Attorney’s office sorts out financial irregularities, and supervisors are now looking for an interim manager to fill the position.

Lisa Moore, hired as township manager in 2010, has been placed by supervisors on administrative leave while the Chester County District Attorney’s Office investigates suspicious transactions that were discovered in the township’s bank accounts.

Township officials have hired their own forensic auditor to look into the township’s finances, and they will be working closely with the District Attorney’s office.

Studder Stevens, supervisors’ chairman, confirmed Tuesday that the township is advertising for an interim township manager.

“It’s sad and I hate to use the word tragic, as far as what’s happening in the township,” Stevens said. “We are anxious that the investigation be completed so we know what’s going on.”

The Fraud Department of the township’s bank identified the suspicious transactions and informed the township on April 25, 2019. The supervisors carefully reviewed the findings with the bank, legal and law enforcement

representatives and immediately referred the matter to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.

Precautions have been taken to ensure no further unauthorized transactions take place.

Meanwhile, Stevens said the township’s finances are secure. Kennett Township is operating the year with budgeted reserves of $4.18 million.

“I am limited as to what I can speak to concerning the investigation under the directive of the DA,” Stevens said. “There is a whole list of things we have been doing in the township in the interim.”

Among her administrative duties, Moore also oversaw the township’s road crew. Two years ago, supervisors paused their meeting to recognize Moore’s lengthy service to the township.

Stevens said supervisors have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the township, its citizens, its employees

and every part of our government.

“We are committed to an open, transparent and honest business in the township,” Stevens said.

Stevens said supervisors will keep residents fully informed within guidelines provided by legal counsel.

The Kennett Township Board of Supervisors will meet this Wednesday, May 15, at 7 p.m. in the township’s Public Meeting Room. Supervisors will update residents on the issue.

Lisa Moore