Officials investigate alleged theft of funds at Westfield City Hall

Officials report more than $60,000 in city revenue is missing.

The Republican | John SuchockiWestfield City Hall

WESTFIELD – One staff member in the City Collector’s office has been relived of duty while officials continue to investigate the alleged theft of more than $60,000 in city revenue.

Officials refused to identify the employee or to say what accounts might be involved.

Mayor Daniel M. Knapik Friday acknowledged Friday the staff dismissal and said the police investigation is expected to be completed, with results presented to Hampden County District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni sometime next week.

The mayor, along with City Collector Michael J. McMahon said discrepancies in financial records were found during an internal inspection of records in the collector’s office. Missing funds were confirmed by a review conducted by an outside auditor, Knapik said.

Few details of the investigation have been revealed.

Police Capt. Michael A. McCabe said the investigation is on-going through the efforts of McMahon, an outside auditor and the Police Department’s Detective Bureau.

“Results will be presented to the district attorney and criminal complaints will be sought,” Knapik said.