Sweden accepts highway superintendent's resignation

Following an investigation into misappropriation of town property, Town of Sweden's highway superintendent has tendered his resignation.

Supervisor Nat O. "Buddy" Lester III said Highway Superintendent Craig Smith handed in his resignation at the January 22 board meeting. The focus of the probe, conducted by investigators from District Attorney Howard Relin's office, centered around a 1984 Jeep once owned by the town.

Lester said allegations had been raised that the jeep had been given to an individual and that individual had transferred title of the Jeep to the highway superintendent.

The investigation had been ongoing since November, Lester said.

"Mr. Smith tendered his resignation last evening and the board accepted it on the condition that the Jeep be returned, and re-titled, to the town," Lester said.

The conditions had been met and the resignation is effective January 25, 2002, he said.

"The town has been made whole and is looking forward to working on projects for the good of the community," Lester said.

Lester said the board would meet next week to discuss filling the superintendent vacancy. The person chosen will serve in an interim capacity and will have to seek election in November to retain the position, he said.