East Central Reporter

Shelby Co. (ECWd) – It appears a common denominator has been identified in Shelby County regarding various forms of malfeasance in local government.

When the county-hired forensic auditor discussed his findings on payroll fraud in the Sheriff’s office, he remarked that his findings were tied to a "culture." He suggested that until this culture changes, the problems will persist.

What is this culture? The notion that if others can do it, so can we.

For nearly two years, at virtually every county board meeting, individuals have pointed to other counties engaging in certain practices as justification for similar actions in Shelby County. This approach overlooks the fact that approximately 75% of other counties do not engage in these practices. This phenomenon is often referred to as “advocating for a position by finding others doing the same thing,” regardless of its rightness or wrongness.

This rationale has now surfaced within the legal community in an unexpected manner. According to an unclassified FBI document obtained by ECWd, a lawyer used known criminal activity as justification for his client's actions.

"GOEBEL didn’t believe the matter was a problem since previous County Engineers had companies that provided services to the county."

Todd Goebel was hired by former County Highway Engineer Alan Spesard once Spesard realized he was under FBI investigation. According to the FBI record, Goebel and Spesard believed there was no issue because previous County Engineers had also provided services to the county through their companies.

While ECWd never asserted that Spesard's company provided services to Shelby County, they expressed shock at an attorney suggesting it was acceptable for Spesard to continue this practice based on past behavior.

It should be evident that government employees cannot provide for-profit services to their employing unit of government through private businesses. However, such understanding seems lacking in Shelby County.

In Goebel's view, since others did it without consequence, no harm was done—despite no one accusing his client of providing services through his private business. Future FBI records may reveal key county board members approved such services.

An example of this culture is highlighted in a video included with this article and links covering Spesard's actions.

A pertinent question arises: If other county Sheriff's Offices use electronic timekeeping systems like Shelby County's system, why can't Shelby County Sheriff’s Office use it?

Further articles on Spesard’s actions and employee testimonies during the FBI investigation are forthcoming. A source confirmed that while the FBI turned over the case to the Attorney General for prosecution, it was not pursued. This decision implies acceptance of running private businesses from government facilities and operating them during county time without legal repercussions.

Finally, none of the records published here or future articles on this topic originated from any current or former Shelby County official.

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