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Management Firm Fires Coliseum Director For Fraud

Staff
/
WGLT

There's another chapter in the controversial management history of Bloomington's downtown arena, the Coliseum.

VenuWorks has fired Curtis Webb, who had been serving as the arena's executive director since shortly after the Iowa-based firm secured management rights earlier this year. A statement released by the city indicates Webb used  a company debit card for personal purchases.

VenuWorks President Steve Peters said in an email to City Manager David Hales that the card was to be used only for Coliseum business purposes. Peters said the private purchases turned up during a routine review of the arena's financials. Peters and other VenuWorks personnel traveled to Bloomington and confronted Webb, who Peters said "confirmed our suspicions."

Curtis Webb
Credit VenuWorks
Curtis Webb began managing the Coliseum May 1, 2016. He was fired this week by VenuWorks for alleged fraud.

In the email to Hales, Peters apologized for what he called a "sad turn of events," and "gross misconduct." Peters said the city will be reimbursed for any expenses charged on the debit card, regardless of the nature of the expense. The city says the amount totals $16,ooo, although it's not clear how much of that amount was allegedly spent under fraudulent means. Company Vice President Russ Ferguson and Chief Operating Officer John Siehl will take over management duties while the firm searches for a new director.

McLean County States Attorney Jason Chambers said his decision on whether or not to file criminal charges against Webb would follow any police investigation.

The city points out in its release that the fraud incident is not related to problems the city says it incurred with the previous Coliseum management regime, Central Illinois Arena Management. Last spring, the city decided to end its contract with CIAM due to philosophical differences.

The State Police are investigating alleged illegal activity associated with CIAM management, which ended April 1. City Corporation Counsel Jeff Jurgens said the investigation, "is ongoing and could continue for some time."

Editor's Notes:

  • GLT's Mike McCurdy interviewed Webb for a July 2015 episode of Sound Ideas. 
  • Information on possible criminal charges was added to this story on Oct. 14, 2016 at 2:43 p.m.

Willis is a Bloomington, IL, native. During his senior year at Bloomington High School, he finished third in the "Radio Speaking" division of the state speech contest, the only year he competed.
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