Attorney General Steve Marshall found no wrongdoing by the City of Mobile or 321z Insights after an Alabama Department of Examiners review.
Marshall said in a letter to Mobile City Attorney Ricardo Woods that his office reviewed documents and materials sent to the AG's office and forwarded the materials to the Department of Examiners for a closer examination.
"Based on the information provided, the Department of Examiners has now informed me that the city appears to have complied with all relevant state laws in executing this contract," Marshall said. "Barring any new information being presented to me on this matter, I have concluded that no further investigation by my Office is necessary."
Mayor Sandy Stimpson asked for the review after former police chief Paul Prine raised concerns about possible financial impropriety surrounding the contract. 321z Insights LLC was awarded a $92,000 contract to review Operation Echo Stop, a crime prevention initiative that uses technology such as ShotSpotter.
Prine said that after he filed a grievance asking city administrators to investigate the matter, the tables were turned on him, and the mayor ordered an investigation into police department policies. Following the review, Prine was placed on leave and eventually fired.
Stimpson said he wanted to act on Prine's claims during media interviews to improve the public's trust.
"I ordered two separate investigations by Burr & Forman and the City of Mobile's Office of Professional Responsibility, and both came to the same conclusion: nothing illegal or outside city policy occurred in the procurement of that contract," Stimpson said.
"However, knowing that many in the community may not be satisfied with who conducted these investigations and in the interest of transparency and public confidence, we turned all the investigative materials and reports from both inquiries over to the Alabama Attorney General's office," Stimpson added.
The AG's review was requested before the Mobile City Council began its own investigation into the claims. Stimpson said at the time, there was no need for another investigation. Following the conclusion of the AG's review, Stimpson said he feels confident there was no wrongdoing.
"The AG is the top law enforcement official in the state and with the conclusion of his investigation, I am satisfied that nothing illegal or improper has occurred in the execution of the 321z contract," Stimpson said.
321z Insights was awarded a $92,000 contract to review Operation Echo Stop, a crime prevention initiative that uses technology, such as ShotSpotter, to fight crime.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
