PILOT MOUNTAIN, N.C. (WGHP) — The town manager for Pilot Mountain has been placed on leave due to discrepancies in the town's finances. The mayor of Pilot Mountain, Evan J. Cockerham, says that he and mayor pro-tem Donna Krieger discovered "discrepancies in the town’s finances" on Monday morning and as a result are placing town manager Michael Boaz on administrative leave in order to "investigate this matter without interference." North Carolina Department of Justice investigating Pilot Mountain Police Department ‘misconduct’ allegations Adam Mchone, the president of the board of directors for Pilot Mountain Rescue and EMS claims that "state grant funds earmarked for improvements to the Rescue Squad building had been misused." Assistant town manager Holly Utt has been named the acting town manager. Previously, the Pilot Mountain Police Department was investigated for allegations and corruption. The investigation led to many people within the police department either resigning from their posts or being removed. “The Town of Pilot Mountain demands that its leaders uphold their oath to be good stewards, act ethically, and serve the community. We found substantial evidence that our now-former police chief engaged in behavior that constitutes a failure of leadership and that failed to uphold his oath to protect and serve,” said Boaz about the police department scandal in Nov. 2023. “We have accepted his resignation effective immediately.” The Department of Justice is currently investigating the police department for allegations of misconduct. You can read the full statements from Cockerham and Mchone below: "Last year, standing in front of town hall, I promised accountability. That applies not just to our Police Department which has made great strides toward delivering a higher level of service to our community and building trust through Chief Tillotson’s leadership, but throughout all departments. "On Monday morning, after Mayor Pro-Tem Donna Kiger and I discovered discrepancies in the town’s finances, the Board of Commissioners, in conjunction with the town’s legal team, directed me to place Town Manager Michael Boaz on administrative leave. This leave gives the town an opportunity to investigate this matter without interference, in coordination with the Local Government Commission and any other authorities as may be required. We will consider additional personnel action when appropriate. "Assistant Town Manager, Holly Utt has been designated as acting town manager. Thank you for your trust. Our board of commissioners is committed to making sure that all aspects of our local government remain up to the standards that the citizens of this great town deserve." STATEMENT FROM PILOT MOUNTAIN MAYOR EVAN J. COCKERHAM "As an emergency volunteer community agency profoundly impacted by this unfortunate situation, Pilot Mountain Rescue and EMS, Inc. is fully committed to supporting the ongoing investigation to ensure transparency and achieve a fair and timely resolution. "I reported my concerns to Mayor Cockerham. Once it became clear that State grant funds earmarked for improvements to the Rescue Squad building had been misused, Mayor Cockerham immediately took swift, decisive action. He has been understanding, courageous and completely transparent. Mayor Cockerham and the Board of Commissioners, particularly commissioner Donna Kiger, have been very supportive of the Rescue Squad and other parties impacted by these events. "As a dedicated part of this community, we are hopeful that these joint efforts will clarify the circumstances. Despite being adversely affected, Pilot Mountain Rescue and EMS, Inc. remains steadfast in our mission and is optimistic that it will strengthen our relationship with the Town. I also want to assure our many friends and supporters that the financial discrepancies at Town Hall are no reflection of the books and records of the Rescue Squad. Our financial position remains verifiably strong, untainted by what was allegedly done by the Town Manager." Dr. Adam McHone, President of the Board of Directors Pilot Mountain Rescue and EMS