Executive Director Kevin Bannon went on leave days after a state attorney general's investigation was launched
HAMILTON -- The executive director of the Mercer County Parks Commission will continue to be on paid leave for up to another 30 days as the investigations into a related nonprofit group remain ongoing.
Kevin Bannon voluntarily took a month-long leave of absence days after the state Attorney General's Office raided the county's historic Hunt House and tennis center April 26.
The Friends of Mercer County Parks -- a nonprofit Bannon helped start and the county has stressed is a separate entity -- is the focus of an investigation over allegations of official misconduct, corruption of public resources and theft by extortion.
Bannon's attorney, Jack Furlong, had asked that his leave be extended, a request that was unanimously approved by the park commissioners Tuesday night following an executive session.
Furlong said he wanted to give the law firm that was hired by the county more time to complete its independent investigation into the Mercer County Park Commission and the Friends of Mercer County Parks.
The firm of Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland and Perretti was awarded a $100,000 contract May 12 to conduct an inquiry into whether there was any evidence of impropriety between the two agencies.
"We wanted that investigation to proceed apace, quickly, fully and cooperatively," Furlong said, adding that Bannon's subordinates have either been interviewed or are scheduled to be interviewed. "I thought it inappropriate for Kevin to resume his duties when the people he supervises are pending interview or investigation. I did not want there to be any appearance that he might try to influence any employee in any fashion."
Bannon, who makes $135,275 a year, has returned both his county car and cellphone during his leave and does not interact with any county employees, Furlong said.
"When the investigation is concluded, we have every confidence there will be no evidence demonstrated of any wrongdoing on Kevin's part and we fully expect him to return to work at that time," he said.
Tuesday's meeting came after Bannon and his brother, Terry Bannon, a senior project manager at the park commission, received Rice notices Friday informing them that their job status would be discussed. Neither were present.
The commissioners decided to not take any action against Terry Bannon, who has continued working.
"I think that's an appropriate response by the commission at this point," said Justin Loughry, the attorney representing Terry Bannon. "He loves his work, he cares about the commission, he cares about the parks and he wants to keep working."
The closed-door session covered personnel, policy and pending or possible investigation of violations of the law and/or anticipated litigation.
Before the commissioners met in executive session, president Drew Worek said the board has not been privy to any facts or information regarding the attorney general's investigation.
"The Mercer County Park Commission will also not be addressing questions regarding this investigation as any response would be speculative and may infringe on the right of innocent parties," Worek said. "We want all Mercer County residents to know that Mercer County Park Commission is fully cooperating with the state and we remain committed to ensure that Mercer County has the finest parks system in New Jersey."
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.