Former Alton code enforcer believed to be subject of State Police probe

The state police have launched a probe into the activity of the former building Inspection and code enforcement office for the town of Alton, according to a statement issued yesterday afternoon.

Although the target of the investigation is not mentioned by name in the statement, the document was issued by Troop E, which includes Alton in its jurisdiction, in response to a request by The Daily Sun to confirm or deny that the troop was investigating Brian Boyers' activity in the town.

Boyers was the town's code enforcement officer and building inspector for more than 10 years, until he was placed on administrative leave in September of last year. Town officials have since confirmed that he is no longer an employee of the town, although they have provided no further comment.

The town is currently accepting applications to fill the vacant position.

The statement from Troop E reads: "State Police — Troop E confirms an extensive probe into accounting discrepancies pertaining to the Building Inspection and Code Enforcement Office fees collected by employees of the Town of Alton." The investigation is being conducted by the state police to avoid any conflict of interest, or appearance thereof, which could result from the investigation being carried out by Alton police or officials."

The statement continues: "The investigation began in December 2009 and the process is expected to last several months due to the large volume of paper documents and parties involved, which encompasses a several year span. Once the investigation is complete, prosecutors will then review the case to determine if an individual deemed responsible will be subject to criminal prosecution."

Boyers is also the code enforcer in the Town of Milton, where he lives. Town Administrator Rick Bates, who said he learned of the investigation into Alton activities yesterday said that, "As far as we know, that's nothing but a probe.". "He is just being investigated. To our knowledge, he hasn't done anything here. We don't know if he did anything in Alton, either. That's up in the air."