Associated Press Published

Airport, Police Probe Possible Fraud Targeting Landslide Aid

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  Authorities are investigating allegations of fraud and other crimes targeting Yeager Airport’s efforts to help residents following a landslide.

Yeager Airport spokesman Mike Plante said Thursday that some people may have taken advantage of the situation to enrich themselves.

The investigation is being conducted by airport police and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. It includes allegations of fraud, theft, obtaining goods and services under false pretenses and criminal trespass.

Plante says in a news release that the allegations involve a small number of people.

A man-made emergency overrun area at the end of the hillside airport’s main runway broke loose on March 12. The landslide took out a church, an unoccupied home, power lines and trees.

No injuries were report. A few dozen homes were evacuated.