A Hopkins County lawmaker is accused of using company money to inappropriately fund campaign activities.
A complaint filed by shareholders of Liberty Rehabilitation alleges that Rep. Ben Waide used over thirty thousand dollars of that business's funds to bankroll campaigning.
Waide is the company’s president, and the suit further alleges the Madisonville Republican used company money to pay for unauthorized massages and a trip to St. Louis with his wife. Further, it claims he pocketed official state travel reimbursements charged to Liberty’s account.
The plaintiffs’ lawyer John Whitfield tells Kentucky Public Radio that Waide’s partners want the money back.
“My clients came to me a couple months ago, and were concerned about what they thought were improprieties going on, in terms of expenses that were being paid by Mr. Waide on behalf of the company. And so, when we got to looking into it, we confirmed that that, indeed, was the case," Whitfield said.
Waide’s attorney Todd P’Pool says the allegations are false and politically motivated.
The suit seeks to reclaim the stolen money plus damages and attorney’s fees.
