| By Bob Weaver
Moving millions of dollars around in Wheeling with other folks money came to light in 2009.
The CEO of a Wheeling area credit union has pleaded guilty to embezzling almost $9 million.
Bernie D. Metz pleaded guilty yesterday to embezzling from a credit union and money laundering.
Acting U.S. Attorney Betsy C. Jividen says Metz embezzled from the Center Valley Federal Credit Union in Wheeling.
The credit union was long associated and operated in the Ohio Valley Medical Center and was used by OVMC employees, but the hospital denies any connection other than being a landlord.
Metz used the money to finance construction of the Roadworthy Tavern and Resort at West Liberty.
The court also says that Metz bought vehicles and paid off family credit cards.
The CEO of non-profit Northwood Health System, a WV mental health agency in Wheeling, funded primarily by taxpayer money, transfered $20 million in profits to a private Christian Catholic organization.
Northwood was suspended following a number of client deaths and dozens of reports of inferior care, although the agency is still being allowed to operate.
CEO Pete Radakovich, for several years, has been paid nearly $500,000, while the next highest paid mental health center CEO in WV makes $104,000.
The state says the profits aren't going to hire more Northwood employees, deliver client care or raise ground-level employee salaries.
Radakovich has been touted as a national business leader in how public mental health centers can be operated.
Northwood's operation has been widely touted in the Wheeling community, with reports of problems widely ignored and not reported.
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