SLED probes report of missing money in Swansea

State Law Enforcement Division agents are looking into allegations of missing money at Swansea Town Hall.

SLED spokesman Thom Berry confirmed the investigation, declining further comment.

The amount in question appears to be no more than $10,000 in utility revenue, Mayor Ray Spires said.

“It’s not a very huge number,” he said.

The problem came to light after a recent audit “came up with some irregularities” that raised questions about accounting of payments for water and sewer service, he said.

Sloppy bookkeeping may be the cause, but town officials aren’t sure.

SLED was called by town police to check things out as is standard practice, he said.

The town in the southeast corner of Lexington County provides utility service for about 750 homes and businesses, Spires said.

Utility service is $1 million-a-year business for Swansea, he said.

This story was originally published July 17, 2015 at 12:39 PM.