Aug. 25--Investors continue to react to news about an inquiry by the Oklahoma Department of Securities into Quest Resource Corp.

Just before noon, the stock for Quest Resource Corp. was down by more than 26 percent for the day, at $5.10 a share. Quest Energy Partners, meanwhile, also was down substantially, off more than 17 percent at $11.68 a share. The two stocks are among the worst performing in U.S. markets so far today.

The investigation, announced this morning, led to the abrupt resignation of Jerry Cash, the energy companies' chairman and chief executive officer.

Also, David Grose, Quest's chief financial officer, has been placed on a paid, administrative leave as the inquiry continues.

Officials say Cash's resignation happened after the discovery of questionable transfers of about $10 million in company funds to an entity Cash controlled.

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