ONLY ON 3: DA wants to see Pender Health Dept. investigation

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — It’s a story we reported first on three last night at 11: Employees of the Pender County Health Department made some startling allegations of a hostile and life threatening work environment. Now the district attorney wants to see the investigation.

Employees say Health Department administrators ignored notices that some employees were using drugs, violating confidentiality practices and not getting proper training. The employees say administrators threatened to fire them if they talked to any of the commissioners or the media.

After hearing the allegations, Pender County Commissioners asked for an investigation. District Attorney Ben David says once it’s finished, he wants to see if there were any crimes committed.

“If there are any allegations that need further criminal investigation, I’ll ask investigators to get involved on the criminal side,” David said. “If we’re satisfied that there’s not, then we’ll say that as well.”

County Manager Rick Benton is working on a list of state and independent agencies that could conduct the investigation.