A deeper look: Richmond elections official defends actions that preceded resignation

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond's General Registrar Keith Balmer may have changed his mind about releasing a letter he said would clear his name. On Wednesday, Balmer formally resigned in response to allegations of fraud, nepotism and misused city funds. Balmer answered questions Wednesday after the Richmond Electoral Board approved his resignation -- which he submitted following the release of a 24-page report from Richmond's Inspector General, which substantiated 25 of 26 claims against Balmer and his deputy Jerry Richardson. He emphasized how he feels the violations came from a lack of awareness, not corruption. Balmer also announced he would publish a formal rebuttal letter with evidence proving this, but 8News reached out to him and his office Thursday and it appears he no longer plans to do so -- at least at this time. PREVIOUS: Richmond registrar resigns, says violations were ‘more so administrative sloppiness’ than intentional wrongdoings "I'm also going to publish our rebuttal that I worked on that's going to provide, you know, what I would say, a different take on the report and what's going on," Balmer previously said Wednesday, speaking of a letter he claimed proves he never intentionally violated city code. Balmer admitted that he found most of the findings to be accurate, but said the report was "flawed" and that he believes many of the violations lacked context -- like some involving alcohol. "I did not ever drink on the job," Balmer said. "No, I did not. Anytime that I had anything to drink was 'off-site.'" He also addressed the discovered "unnecessary security expenses." Balmer and his deputy hired security services adding up to about $200,000, when the City of Richmond already had a contract in place. "The level of security they provided was just not adequate," Balmer said of his reasoning for those hirings. Balmer also said he never authorized his deputy to purchase a gun for security purposes with city money. He said he assumed she had followed policy. "I'm relying on the experience of those who were here, because I didn't have that experience," Balmer said. "I always was in the belief that we were doing things correctly, because that was the guidance that I received." Richmond to build life-size replica of slave ship as part of historical memorial project These points represent just a handful of the violations Balmer refuted directly during Wednesday's media conference. On the other hand, Richmond's Electoral Board spoke with members of the media at City Hall following their vote to approve Balmer's resignation. They offered confidence in the inspector general's findings. "The citizens of Richmond deserve to have an elections office that is run efficiently," said Electoral Board chair Starlet Stevens. "We will find a replacement." In order to corroborate his side, Balmer would need to release his formal rebuttal letter publicly. In the meantime, he said he hopes the City of Richmond better prepares whoever fills his role at the beginning of next year. Balmer retains his position until Dec. 31. "A mistake does not constitute fraud," Balmer said. "It must be intentional." Balmer has also faced accusations of nepotism. Those were directed for review by the City of Richmond's Department of Human Resources instead of the inspector general. We also have yet to hear Balmer's response to findings saying he wasted city money on "luxury furniture" for his office and on artwork for the leased elections office building, among other violations.