CCAR addresses internal theft
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (Nov. 17, 2014) – The Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR) and its board of directors have uncovered an internal issue that has led to the arrest of a former staff member by Missouri authorities.
Former CCAR official Daren Fristoe has been charged with theft, a Class B felony. Fristoe joined CCAR in 2008, and served in several marketing and management posts. He had served as executive director and he resigned in 2013.
CCAR, which provides training in safety, pollution prevention and hazardous material handling for the automotive industry, was based in Lees Summit, Mo., prior to moving its headquarters to a Chicago suburb in 2013.
CCAR’s management and the board discovered the improper appropriations of funds after a comprehensive internal review and a full audit by an external firm. CCAR expects to recover the lost funds and said there have been no disruptions in services to customers as a result of the theft.
“This unfortunate issue has been fully addressed with the proper authorities and CCAR is looking forward to a strong future with our members, partners and clients,” said Charles E. Ayers, CCAR president.
“As part of our investigation, the staff and board of directors have strengthened our policies and procedures for governance and operations oversight,” he said.
Ayers said CCAR would not provide any additional details due to pending legal issues.
About CCAR
CCAR was established in 1994, as a non-profit organization that works internationally with the automotive industry, original equipment manufacturers, career and technical schools, collision and automotive repair shops, governments, municipalities and other organizations to provide best practices information and training.
Over the past 20 years, CCAR has built and maintained close alliances and partnerships with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), Department of Transportation (DOT) and the North American Automotive Hazmat Action Committee (NAAHAC) to keep automotive shop employees and students properly trained, safe and in compliance with current regulations.
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