Dear Editor
It is with a heavy heart that I share news of two prominent financial advisors who were recently convicted of defrauding our town and the surrounding area for nearly 20 years. Their actions have directly affected almost 140 clients, but the ripple effect of their deceit has undoubtedly harmed many more families, businesses and community members.
One of these convicted individuals previously worked at a local bank, while the other served on the hospital board for nearly 20 years. These individuals served our community in positions of trust. Being betrayed, we should all ask if these felons also exploited the bank and our hospital for their own personal gain.
The actions of these felons have shaken the very foundation of trust in our community, leaving us to only guess at other potential crimes. I personally feel that this is a moment for us to come together as a community and support those who have been impacted and demand greater accountability from our institutions to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent such a devastating breach of trust in the future.
Thanks for reading.
Dr. Joe Hutchison, Member, Hospital Board of Trustees
