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Prosecutor says WSI charges not political BISMARCK, ND (Prairie Public) - Some supporters of the director of the state's workers compensation agency argue criminal charges against him are politically motivated.

But a Burleigh County Assistant States Attorney says that's not the case.

Workforce Safety and Insurance director Sandy Blunt faces felony charges of misapplication of public funds -- because a state audit report reported unauthorized use of money for parties, dinners and bonuses. Blunt and WSI fraud investigator Romi Leingang also face charges because of the use of drivers' licenses to fund out who had been e-mailing salary information from the Mandan Library.
Some Blunt supporters argue the charges are politically motivated. Burleigh County Assistant States Attorney Cynthia Feland says no.

"Our office receives charges to revewi all the time, from other (state) agencies," said Feland. "It's commonm -- because of the fact we're located in Bismarck -- for us to get a multitiude of charges that relate to activities engaged in by state employees. It's the nature of being in Burleigh County."

Both Blunt and Leingang were released on their own recognizance -- and preliminary hearings are yet to be scheduled.


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