Four Southport Parks and Recreation employees placed on leave amid financial investigation

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Four employees with the City of Southport’s Parks and Recreation Department have been placed on paid administrative leave following the discovery of financial irregularities, city officials announced Wednesday.

According to the city, the issue was identified after a forensic accounting investigation. The matter has now been referred to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for further review.

Because of the investigation, the city has suspended its Parks and Recreation before and after school program indefinitely.

City officials said parents and guardians will need to arrange alternative childcare while the program remains suspended.

“We understand the unexpected burden that this places on those parents and guardians and do apologize for the inconvenience,” the city said in a statement.

In addition, all City of Southport Parks and Recreation facilities and buildings are closed, and scheduled events have been canceled until further notice.

City leaders said they cannot provide additional details because the case remains an active investigation and personnel matters cannot be discussed.