Investigation continues in CAT-10 allegations

An investigation is continuing into allegations against the executive director of Carson City's public-access television channel that thousands of dollars were embezzled from the nonprofit organization.

Craig Swope, executive director of Carson Access Television, has been on administrative leave without pay since a complaint was filed with the Carson City Sheriff's Department on June 24.

Detective Richard Mendoza of the Carson City Sheriff's Department said little progress has been made in the investigation.

"It's stalled in investigations right now until the (CAT 10) board makes up their mind about what they want to do," he said.

Swope, who had been on a planned vacation to visit family in Iowa, said on his return to Carson City last week that he's been advised not to discuss the allegations.

"My attorney, Jason Woodbury, has advised me not to say anything to anybody," Craig Swope said. "I'm hopeful and optimistic. Beyond that, though, there's not much I can say."

Woodbury is a former deputy district attorney for Carson City.

Swope allegedly told board members late last month that for several months he'd been using money from the business account because of a gambling problem, according to Peter Smith, vice president of CAT-10's board of trustees. He had been repaying what he'd taken out, Smith said.

But about $5,000 in checks written on CAT-10's account were awaiting payment at a bank because the account has insufficient funds to cover them, he added.

Smith could not be reached for comment on the CAT-10 board's intentions in the matter. Mendoza said earlier the board may decide not to press the complaint if the money is repaid.