Mayor Richard David says he doesn't believe there was any criminality involved in an improper fund transfer from the Binghamton Local Development Corporation.

David fired economic development director Robert Murphy after the discovery that he had allowed money to be moved from an account without the knowledge of corporation directors.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Friday, the mayor said "based on what information I have at this time" the action did not appear to be criminal.

David said auditors are finalizing their review of the matter. He declined to discuss specifics, including the name of the Binghamton business that needed the funds to meet payroll.

The mayor previously said a relative of Murphy was an investor in the firm. David has said no Local Development Corporation money was involved in the unauthorized fund transfer.

The mayor said he considers Murphy to be "a very close personal friend." David said he does not believe "there was any malicious or nefarious intent on his part." He said he believes Murphy was trying "to help a business that was in the need of help."

Murphy has not commented publicly on the fund transfer or his dismissal as economic development director.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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