WEIRTON STEEL Probe looks into allegation

WEIRTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Federal prosecutors are investigating alleged misappropriations of company property at Weirton Steel Corp., the company said.
A routine internal audit revealed a problem, and the steelmaker then turned that information over to the U.S. attorney's office in Wheeling, chief executive officer D. Leonard Wise said Friday.
He declined to elaborate on the probe but said, "Weirton Steel reaffirms its position that any improper behavior will not be tolerated."
Company spokesman Gregg Warren said an auditor identified the apparent misappropriations more than 18 months ago. The company did its own investigation, then turned its findings over when it became clear the federal government should be involved, he said.
Federal prosecutors declined to discuss the case Friday.
Independent Steelworkers Union President Mark Glyptis said current and former employees have already testified before a grand jury.
The nation's fifth-largest integrated steel producer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May. It is proceeding with a reorganization plan with hopes of gaining creditors' approval Dec. 16.
The company is located across the Ohio River from Steubenville, Ohio, and has Ohio employees and retirees.