By Nikie Mayo
Anderson Independent Mail
WILLIAMSTON, S.C. — The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating allegations of financial mismanagement at Williamston Emergency Medical Services, Anderson County officials confirmed Tuesday.
The Anderson County Council is expected to have closed-door discussions tonight about executing a short-term contract with a private paramedic company that would provide services in Williamston while its emergency medical services are being investigated. Williamston EMS Chief Joe Barr, who had served in the role for more than a decade, resigned earlier this month. Barr said in an interview Tuesday that he asked the Williamston EMS board of directors to accept his resignation and that he remains committed to working with the squad.
Administrators at Williamston EMS have asked for Anderson County staff to do an audit of the agency, according to Leah Davis, the agency’s interim chief.
Davis has been with the agency for 15 years, she said.
Davis said she started to believe there was a financial problem at Williamston EMS when she went to pick up a medical prescription and her health insurance was denied.
She said several members of the squad prepared a letter this month outlining their concerns sent it to Scott Stoller, the director of Anderson County’s emergency medical services.
Stoller confirmed Tuesday that the issues outlined in the letter are now under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
“At this point, they are only allegations, and it is important to remember that,” he said.
Barr said little in an interview Tuesday.
“Any statements would be premature,” he said. “The allegations against me are vague and based on assumptions.”
The Independent Mail asked Barr about allegations that his co-workers had been working without insurance.
“I don’t feel like it’s appropriate to go into that at this point,” he said.
Barr said Tuesday evening that he had yet been contacted by SLED. He declined to say whether he has spoken to a lawyer.
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©2015 the Anderson Independent Mail (Anderson, S.C.)