William Owen – chief legal counsel for the state auditor -- says he also has reason to suspect school officials have been intimidating witnesses.

“When I see a witness talk to an investigator and then call the next day crying that they are going to lose their job because they were ‘talked to’ by someone in the administration, that gives rise for concern.”

Owen has publicly asked the district not to interfere with the investigation. He worries not just for witnesses fearful for their jobs, but also that any future witnesses may be too scared to come forward. 
In a response letter, the attorney for the Columbus schools Robert Trafford says accusations of interference are baseless.

Owen says there’s a good chance the investigation into Columbus City Schools will lead to referrals for criminal prosecution to the Franklin County prosecutor. He hopes to have something to report by the end of the year. 
Federal investigators are also looking into the Columbus case.