DA blasts APD evidence room handling, Council approves $175,000 audit

It was a tense scene last night during the Asheville City Council meeting as District Attorney Ron Moore criticized the leadership of the Asheville Police Department for the handling of its evidence room. APD Chief Bill Hogan, meanwhile, said the problems were due to one individual who “betrayed the trust.” Council approved $175,000 to conduct a full audit.

Donation push, Gideon sermon at city United Way presentati­on raise questions

A city staff member has questioned what he says was a mandatory meeting at which United Way representatives made a funding pitch, followed by a Gideons member distributing Bibles, giving a sermon and leading staff in prayer. City representatives say the United Way presentation was not mandatory and Police Chief Bill Hogan says he’s apologized for the Gideons presentation.