North Dakota Lawmakers Deliberate Secretly on Lawsuit Amid Veto Misstep Threatening Housing Funds

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota’s legislative leaders are set to meet this week in a closed session to explore the possibility of a lawsuit following an error related to a veto by Governor Kelly Armstrong. The matter concerns significant missteps involving funding intended for housing initiatives, raising concerns about transparency and accountability among lawmakers. The interim Legislative Management Committee is considering the next steps, which could include legal action or the convening of a special session. The complications arose after Governor Armstrong mistakenly vetoed not only $150,000 earmarked for a Native American homeless liaison, but … Read more

Disbarred Florida Attorney Sentenced to 33 Months for Misappropriating Client Funds

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A former attorney from Florida has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison after admitting to embezzling funds from clients. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida handed down the sentence to the disbarred lawyer who misappropriated over $300,000 intended for clients. The lawyer, whose legal license was revoked in 2018, utilized trust accounts meant for client funds to finance personal expenses, including luxury travel and other indulgences. Prosecutors revealed that the accused often provided fraudulent accounting statements to clients, misleading them about the status of their … Read more

Stanislaus Executive Director Placed on Leave Amid Grand Jury Allegations of Misuse of Funds and Toxic Work Culture

Modesto, Calif. — The Stanislaus Council of Governments has placed its executive director on paid administrative leave following a grand jury report that raised serious allegations regarding her spending practices and work environment. The report accused Rosa De Leon Park, who took on the role in 2015, of misusing public funds for extravagant expenses, including luxury hotel stays, first-class travel, and high-priced rental cars. During a special meeting on Monday, the policy board voted to keep Park on paid leave while an investigation into the allegations is conducted. Members expressed varied opinions on the decision. … Read more

Attorney General Takes Action Against D.C. Nonprofit for Misappropriating Grant Funds

Washington, D.C. – The District of Columbia’s Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, has taken legal action against a local nonprofit and its former CEO, accusing them of misappropriating grant funds intended for violence reduction initiatives. The lawsuit seeks to recover significant amounts of money that the city claims were improperly handled. The nonprofit organization, Women in H.E.E.L.S., received financial support during the fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to implement programs aimed at reducing violence in the Congress Heights neighborhood, specifically to assist women and girls. The grants were part of the Cure the Streets initiative, a … Read more