BIDDEFORD — The finances of La Kermesse Franco-Americaine are being investigated, according to Biddeford Police Chief Roger Beaupre.

The investigation, which is ongoing, began about one month ago, said Beaupre in a telephone interview this morning.

Because of the investigation, Beaupre declined to release many details and declined to say how possible financial discrepancies about the festival were brought to his attention. He did not say if the investigation was targeting any one person or persons.

Biddeford Police are working on the investigation in conjunction with the Maine Office of the Attorney General. No one from the Attorney General’s office could be reached before press time.

Paul Gagne, treasurer of La Kermesse, said he was unaware of any possible wrongdoing when he took over as treasurer of the organization in August.

“I had concern seeing as we were in financial trouble,” said Gagne, however, he said, he isn’t aware if the financial problems are related to any wrongdoing.

Gagne also declined to go into details about the investigation.

“I know there’s an investigation, that’s all I can say right now,” said Gagne.

Gagne has been acting as the spokesperson for the organization since the president of the organization, Priscille Gagnon stepped down earlier this year.

When reached by telephone last week, Gagnon said she stepped down because of personal reasons.

This investigation is just the latest in a string of problems facing La Kermesse. The organization is having some financial problems, which have been made public. According to Gagne, as a result of the bad weather at last year’s festival, lack of sponsors and money owed to the organization by an amusement vendor, the organization has about $30,000 of debt.

In addition, the City of Biddeford claims the organization owes $25,000 for damage done to St. Louis Field last year. The festival has been held at St. Louis Field since it began almost 28 years ago.

Because of the damage, the city has told festival organizers that they can no longer hold La Kermesse at St. Louis Field.

This year organizers plan to hold a much smaller festival at the Biddeford Ice Arena and Expo on June 25 and 26.

— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.