SBI trying to determine whether state workers tried to cover up crimes

DAVID INGRAM

dingram@charlotteobserver.com

RALEIGH –

The State Bureau of Investigation is examining whether employees of North Carolina’s juvenile justice system obstructed justice by failing to report assaults at a residential school near Asheville, according to interviews and documents provided to the Observer.

The investigation could determine whether state employees face criminal charges of trying to cover up possible crimes by others. It also renews questions about the safety of the state’s juvenile facilities — for both inmates and staff members.

Buncombe County District Attorney Ron Moore said he has not decided whether to charge anyone who works at the school, known as the Swannanoa Youth Development Center. He declined to comment on who might face charges, saying he does not want to prejudice the investigation.

But Moore strongly criticized the management of the center.

"There’s been an underreporting of incidents for many years," said Moore, echoing comments he has made before.

He added: "I basically told them out there, `You’ve got to tell me about these things. You don’t get to decide whether charges are brought. … You can’t bring pressure on someone not to bring charges if they’re assaulted.’ " (more…)