In what was probably the worst
case scenario presented as a complaint to the Alabama Board of Licensure for
Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, longtime investigator Bob Herbert
worked through the kudzu like intricacies. The work paid dividends and was
recognized not only by those in the office and on a national stage as he was
presented CLEAR’s Investigative Excellence Award in September.
“The complexity of the
investigation…,” Herbert said, “originally what appeared to be a complaint on
two projects – two churches – began to snowball. More information led to
additional cases. Then led to talking to code officials throughout Mobile and
Baldwin counties. It led to additional victims.”
The case being referenced is
Roddy Fitzgerald / Commodore Steel which led to not only the heaviest fine
since BELS convened for the first time in 1936 and an eventual felony
conviction. Fitzgerald was fined $30,000 and pled guilty to multiple counts of
felony forgery, identity theft and theft for the stealing of multiple licensed
professional engineers’ seals.
“This is truly a worst case
scenario for the individual,” Herbert said. “It would have never been caught by
the municipalities because everything appeared to be as it should be. It was a
set of design plans submitted by an engineer. The only way we found out was
that an engineer had questions about the design plans and contacted the
engineer whose seals were on the plans. That’s how it all got started. Had that
not happened, Roddy ‘could’ still be doing this and taking advantage of the
public and the public would be at great risk.”
The CLEAR (Council on Licensure,
Enforcement and Regulation) Investigative Excellence Award recognizes an
investigator who has demonstrated exceptional performance in a particular case
or has a history of excellent performance beyond what is expected or required.
“I was humbled to get the award,”
Herbert said. “Just looking at the stage and seeing the other individuals and
groups that did wonderful things. For me to be listed among them was very
humbling. I was very thankful the Board and Rick (Huett, BELS Director) even
submitted me for the award and that CLEAR selected me. It makes it even more
humbling.”
Herbert and BELS would like to
extend special thanks to Det. Sgt. Keith Miller with the Mobile County Special
Investigation Unit and Baldwin County District Attorney Administrative Chief
Howard Eddy for their help during this lengthy investigation that began in
2013.
Scroll to 5:23 on the video link to see the Clear Award
Video Presentation for Mr. Herbert