The true findings of a forensic audit of computers in the former Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department are very likely to become open for public review, despite preliminary findings only referring to code numbers as to which employee's computers were reviewed.

Decatur-based Garrett Discovery Incorporated was paid $5,650 to examine health department computers for evidence of misuse. A September report to the Board's policy & procedure committee identified alleged misuse and also showed anti-forensic software was used by some in an attempt to delete the computer's history.

Andrew Garrett's report only used code numbers and did not disclose which employee's computers were examined. Garrett alluded to privacy in regards to not identifying the employees' computer.

Illinois' Freedom of Information Act opens the door to the fact that taxpayers dollars paid for the audit, and the privacy issue won't protect employees the audit may not have targeted.

Some board members have pointed out an initial examination of just five computers, by the past County Board, targeted specific past employees while ignoring other alleged wrong-doers. Now, the examination of 18 computers may be revealing embarrassing information against other employees not targeted in the probe.

Meanwhile – Iroquois County State's Attorney Jim Devine has repeatedly said 'poor office management does not dictate what can be prosecuted as a crime.'

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