Assessor's employee on leave while gas purchases investigated

An employee of the Perry County Assessor's office is on leave from work while the office investigates allegations that before he fills up the county's work car with gas he fills up gas cans for his personal use, then charges it all to the county.

In fact, State's Attorney David Stanton could file charges as early as today against Butch Stern.

Employee Stern works in the office of Assessor John Batteau and before that worked for Assessor Robin Edwards. Stern's job involves driving around the county and assessing new construction and making assessment changes on existing properties.

The newspaper understands that photographs have been taken of Stern filling up two cans of gas and then placing them in the trunk of the car. He charges the gas to the county's Moto-Mart card then takes the gas to his home where he places the cans in his storage shed for personal use.

He then goes about his regular work.

The newspaper understands that the Du Quoin Police Department is lending an investigator to the case so that there is no conflict of interest with the county or the sheriff's department.

Stern was not at work on Wednesday as the investigation continues. Assessor Batteau said the investigation is ongoing and the state's attorney's office has asked him not to comment on the investigation.