CSB: Managers knew about no-show worker

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Four managers and an executive assistant at the Norfolk Community Services Board were fired or forced to resign Friday because they all knew an employee, who stopped showing up for work, continued to receive her salary and full benefits for 12 years, according to agency executives.

The agency, funded solely by taxpayers, announced Friday afternoon that the five employees knew that Jill McGlone, an office assistant, was receiving $29,000 a year for doing nothing, and in some cases they even helped her, according to the CSB.

"As anyone who has heard this story has felt, I was shocked and angry about what happened," said Dr. Lewis Taylor, Chair of the Board of Directors . "It brings embarrassment to an agency whose 300 employees work hard." Dr. Taylor said the money that went to McGlone every year should have gone to the treatment of low-income Norfolk residents with mental illness or substance abuse issues.

The relatively new executive director of the agency, Maureen Womack discovered the phantom employee and immediately reported it to the board. On Friday she fired Brenda Wise, Director of Administration and Laurie Paquin, former Executive Assistant to Dr. George Pratt who was the agency's longtime executive director. Womack also forced three other employees to resign immediately. Linda Berardi, Human Resources Officer; Suzanne Williams, Chief Financial Officer; and Anthony Crisp, Director of Clinical Services were all told to pack their desks and leave on Friday.

"I sincerely apologize to our patients," said Womack. She and Dr. Taylor said they still do not know what those employees' motives would have been to allow the situation to go on for so long. WAVY.com asked if those employees received any cut of McGlone's paychecks over the years and they said at this point there is no evidence that occurred, but added that none of those five managers would give them an answer as to motive.

Womack also said that after McGlone signed her timecards every other week, Womack's predecessor, George Pratt, also had to sign off them. She said Pratt signed off on McGlone's pay raises and annual health benefit documents as well. Assistant City Attorney, Jack Cloud, said Pratt was "not being cooperative" with the investigation. Womack said McGlone actually did work at the agency for a short period of time 12 years ago, but she was put on leave pending an employee investigation. Once she went out on leave, she never returned to work.

Womack said Friday's removal of the five employees "will not prevent further recourse which may include criminal charges and civil suits for restitution."

The agency's internal investigation is now being turned over to the FBI, State Police, Norfolk Police and the Office of the Inspector General to determine if any criminal charges will be brought against the five employees, McGlone or Pratt. Dr. Taylor added, "The CSB Board of Directors is determined to hold accountable those responsible for this waste of public funds."

For more information, read the statements from Maureen Womack and Lewis Taylor .