Pubdate: Sat, 18 May 2002
Source: Post and Courier, The (SC)
Copyright: 2002 Evening Post Publishing Co
Contact:   http://www.charleston.net/index.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/567
Author: Associated Press

EX-DRUG ABUSE OFFICIAL ACCUSED OF TAKING FUNDS

COLUMBIA-A former program director at the state's drug abuse agency was 
charged Friday with embezzlement, forgery, conspiracy and obstruction of 
justice, the State Law Enforcement Division said.

Katherine "Kathy" Yandle, 36, was arrested as the result of an ongoing SLED 
investigation. Yandle has been charged with embezzling $48,789 by 
submitting fraudulent invoices and purchase orders, arrest warrants showed. 
She also is charged with hindering the ongoing investigation of the 
Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services by telling witnesses to 
lie to SLED agents. Yandle also is charged with conspiracy.

Agency Director Wendell Price said he is "not aware that (the 
investigation) targets any other employee at DAODAS."

Yandle coordinated the Bridge Program, which helped youths make the 
transition from inpatient alcohol or drug abuse treatment facilities back 
to communities, Price said. "When we became aware of the irregularities 
April 17, we contacted SLED," Price said.

Yandle was suspended and resigned May 1.
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MAP posted-by: Beth