Computer equipment purchased with tax money for an after school program run by a former chairman of the Rockingham Housing Authority board is missing.

When the program closed, the state Department of Public Instruction took possession of 21st Century Learning Program equipment and records at Falling Creek Park in Rockingham.

The state has since reported several thousand dollars worth of computer equipment is missing, according to Rockingham Police Chief Robert Voorhees.

Voorhees said some of the items in question include laptop computers and video equipment. He also says in the letter the federal Office of Inspector General for the Department of Education will be joining his inquiry because federal money was used.

The 21st Century program was created by Bruce Stanback, a former chairman of the RHA board and current chairman of the Richmond County School Board.

Stanback was terminated from his position as 21st Century program director in May because state law prohibits housing authority board members from working for the authority for a period of one year after they leave office.

Stanback could not be reached for comment about the missing equipment.

The Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development had already joined the investigation.

In a letter dated Wednesday addressed to DPI 21st Century Community Learning Program Consultant Ed Bell, Voorhees asks for copies of all reporting and financial documents concerning the program.

The list includes annual reports, quarterly reports, budget reports, reimbursement request, budget modification reports and other reports that show expenditure of public funds.

Marguerite Peebles, 21st Century’s state coordinator, said her organization has been in contact with the RHA Interim Director Jim McCaskill concerning the missing equipment, and confirmed three laptops were missing from the inventory. She said she could not confirm any missing video equipment.

The housing authority is now being run byMcCaskill since director Gracie Ingram was suspended and then fired.

“(McCaskill) told us there was one (laptop) computer missing, then when we got down there we discovered there were two others missing,” Peebles said. “So there are two that went missing under his watch.”

She said through conversations she’s had with McCaskill, she believes the investigation is an internal matter at the RHA.

“It’s unfortunate that the 21st Century Program has become involved in a personnel issue,” she said. “We’re a service-delivery program providing academic enrichment for children in need and their families. That is our main focus.”

McCaskill was unavailable for comment.

“Our original investigation was not focused on the 21st Century program; however, since the investigation has started it is apparent that a separation between the Rockingham Housing Authority and the 21st Century program cannot be distinguished,” Voorhees explained in a letter to DPI. “The two are intimately intertwined. It therefore, has become necessary to consider the program as part of the investigation.”

In the letter’s conclusion, Voorhees notes that law enforcement was not contacted about the missing computers in a timely manner.

“Mr. McCaskill reported it to us as soon as he became aware of it,” Voorhees said Friday. “Our issue is not with the Rockingham Housing Authority reporting, it’s with DPI.”

Peebles said the RHA is responsible for replacing the equipment, and for reporting it missing to the police.

“They were the fiscal agent, and they’re responsible for the items they purchased,” Peebles said.

Voorhees said it was his department’s desire to recover the equipment, and spare additional expense to taxpayers.

“It’s obviously a concern that computers and electronic equipment are not accounted for that have been paid for with taxpayer money,” Voorhees said. “It’s a criminal act whether they were embezzled or just outright stolen.”

He said law enforcement was not aware of the missing electronics for a week after DPI discovered it, and other people were contacted concerning its whereabouts before law enforcement knew about it.

“Our chances of recovering these items have been hindered by this fact,” Voorhees said. “We all know that stolen equipment can be disposed of, and you’re not going to be driving around with something in the front seat of your car if you know the police department is looking for it.”