Previous Coverage: Association launches audit as search continues

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina Hospitality Association has launched an external audit of its finances as the search for its missing president continues to baffle law enforcement.

Association consultant Bob McAlister told The Associated Press on Friday that interim president Rick Erwin has contacted a Columbia accounting firm to go over the association’s books.

Erwin is standing in for Tom Sponseller, who was reported missing by his wife on Feb. 18 and was last seen at his office in downtown Columbia that Saturday.

Authorities combed the 61-year-old Sponseller’s office building, where his Mercedes Benz was found. They’ve reviewed his cellphone and bank records, but police say that so far, they’ve learned nothing new.

McAlister says Erwin requested the audit to assure the association’s membership that their financial contributions are secure.

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Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP