The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Police/Courts

November 20, 2008

DEP files suit against Greenbrier woman

Christian Giggenbach

The state Department of Environmental Protection has filed a civil suit against a Greenbrier County woman who allegedly failed to repay a $30,000 grant that was not used for its intended purpose.

The lawsuit, filed by DEP lawyer Raymond S. Franks, named Claire V. LaRocco of Lewisburg and LaRocco Enterprises Inc. as co-defendants. According to court documents, LaRocco, the president of LaRocco Enterprises, received a $30,000 grant from the DEP on July 9, 2007. The grant was administered under the A. James Manchin Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan, which provides funds for public and private recycling projects.

“In August 2007, LaRocco Enterprises informed (DEP) that it would be unable to use the grant for its intended purposes because the company lacked the cash required to complete the project,” the lawsuit said.

An independent audit found the company “had failed to repay the grant funds” in May 2008 and “was informed on Aug. 25, 2008, that LaRocco Enterprises could not comply.”

The state agency is asking the court to enter a judgment for $30,000 against the defendants. No hearings have been set in the case.

— E-mail: cgiggebach@ register-herald.com

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