Charges Pondered In Use Of Prison Crew

Benton County Prosecutor Andy Miller said he will decide soon whether a city employee will be charged for using a prison work crew at his home.

Miller said Friday he had not yet seen a report by the State Auditor’s Office which accused city maintenance supervisor Dan Hughes of breaking the law.

Miller said he would read the report’s findings before making a decision on prosecution. The decision should be made soon, he said.

City officials said Hughes, who makes $35,556 a year, won’t face disciplinary action unless charges are filed.

His annual salary is $35,556.

The auditor’s report concluded Hughes used a crew from Coyote Ridge Correctional Center to fix the irrigation system, clean a forklift and clean and paint a fuel tank at his house in 1992 and 1993. The crew was working under contract to do maintenance projects for the city.