OSP Retiree Says Gov Blocked Hiring Probe

Published: February 27, 2010

COLUMBUS, Ohio—A former official with the State Highway Patrol says the governor’s office tried to stop an investigation into a company accused of hiring illegal immigrants.

Former Lt. Col. William Costas, who retired this month, tells The Columbus Dispatch that Gov. Ted Strickland’s top legal advisers questioned the patrol’s authority and tried intimidation.

Strickland spokeswoman Amanda Wurst says the lawyers’ were making sure the patrol had proper jurisdiction. She says the questioning was appropriate and that the investigation was never stopped.

The case centers on whether Anchor Companies tried to cover up the use of illegal immigrants to work on an office building leased by the state prison department. A Franklin County prosecutor is reviewing the case.



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