A criminal investigation into the whereabouts of missing files from the Butler County commissioners’ records room is under way.

District Attorney Richard Goldinger says his office has launched an investigation to determine whether a crime was committed.

Goldinger said that determination would be based in large part on what documents are missing.

“That could have a huge impact on what occurs,” he said.

Chief county clerk Amy Wilson previously did not divulge what files have disappeared because there was the possibility of an investigation, which now has happened.

Wilson, who is the county’s chief records officer, declined to comment.

Goldinger confirmed county Commissioner Jim Eckstein requested his involvement.

“I got an e-mail from Jim Eckstein asking for us to conduct an investigation,” Goldinger said.

Eckstein said he hopes the investigation reveals what transpired.

“I can’t wait to find out what’s missing,” he said.

Since Wilson decided last week the records room on the fifth floor of the government center needed locked, Eckstein has been protesting being denied access and not being informed about the nature of the missing documents.

“I think it’s ridiculous,” he said.

Although fellow commissioners Bill McCarrier and Dale Pinkerton support an investigation into the matter, they disagree access to the records room should be less restricted.