MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - A grand jury will decide Thursday whether to indict former Monroe Engineer Department Head Sinyale Morrison for payroll fraud.
Sinyale Morrison has been the subject of several investigations over the past two years and her attorney Charles Kincade says its taken a toll on her. "Well she's been stressed, this is quite an ordeal for quite sometime," said Kincade.
The city, auditors, and state police have each looked into whether Morrison committed payroll fraud by hiring employee Ricardo Nance for a job he was not qualified for and paying him thousands for work he allegedly did not complete. "I think what drives her, is her feeling that she didn't do anything wrong," said Kincade.
But the different investigations dug up varying results. The city found she did nothing wrong, but state auditors concluded the pay-roll fraud was intentional. While we don't know the results of the state police's nearly year long probe into the matter, we do know the report was lengthy. The district attorney's office has been reviewing the criminal investigation since August and Kincade says that's a good thing. "We're pleased for that, we think the longer the time is spent, the longer it is examined, that bodes well with us," said Kincade.
The grand jury hearing will take place Thursday with several witnesses expected to testify. According to Kincade, Morrison is glad the hearing is finally happening. "She's ready to get this portion behind her and see what's next. We're hoping for a positive result."
Morrison resigned from her job in November to "pursue other interests". The grand jury hearing is scheduled for 9 Thursday morning at the Ouachita Parish Courthouse Annex Building.
