CAHOKIA, Ill. (AP) — Authorities in southwestern Illinois have launched an investigation into claims a city pantry was poorly run.

The Belleville News-Democrat reported Thursday that the investigation comes after a tense hearing over the closing of the Cahokia pantry.

Police Chief Lawrence Purcell says authorities are investigating allegations that elderly residents received rotten meat and expired milk. Others claimed they were denied the food they were eligible for.

The pantry’s former director, Christina Walker, has denied the allegations. She was terminated and claims village officials shut down the nonprofit as political payback for her April school board campaign. Mayor Curtis McCall Jr. didn’t have a comment on the matter.

Also, union employees who were terminated or moved to different positions have since filed an unfair labor practices complaint.