(Brookville, Ind.) - A special prosecutor is declining to file charges against two Franklin County Commissioners and a county highway foreman.

The Brookville American-Democrat newspaper reports that commissioners Scott McDonough and Tom Linkel were investigated by Indiana State Police for allegations of Ghost Employment. Franklin County Highway Department foreman Monte McCoy was also part of the investigation.

On his Facebook page McDonough stated he believes the case related to rumors that a county dump truck was used to help him dispose of shingles from his own home last year. McDonough claims he actually used a truck owned by Linkel, his fellow commissioner.

The rumors included McCoy working on McDonough’s roof while on county time, McDonough said. Also, that the shingles were disposed of at the county’s expense.

“The truth is: (1) the Dump Truck seen in my driveway belonged to Tom Linkel (“Linkel”), whose name was boldly and visibly printed on the vehicle; (2) McCoy has never worked on my roof; and (3) I paid for the disposal of my shingles at the Transfer Station,” McDonough posted.

The county commissioner pointed to bitter friends and family members of ex-county employees as the source of the rumors, but did not mention specific names.

Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel was assigned to the case as a special prosecutor. After evaluating the state police investigation, Hertel made a court filing February 6 stating he will not pursue charges against the two commissioners or McCoy.

Hertel did add that if new evidence were to surface in the future, he could reevaluate the case.

McDonough voiced vindication after hearing of the prosecutor’s decision.

“The truth will set you free,” McDonough said in a letter to the editor published in the American-Democrat. “It is an honor to serve the citizens of Franklin County along with upstanding public servants, such as McCoy and Linkel. I’m ready to put the libel and slander behind me, so we can focus on our future.”