Newton County was alerted by the Salvation Army Wednesday, Sept. 14, of misappropriation of funds in its distribution of Mortgage/Rental Assistance and Utility Assistance of the American Rescue Plan Act funds.
An internal audit completed by the Salvation Army revealed evidence of forged or manipulated documents it produced for applications.
The Newton County District Attorney and other law enforcement agencies have begun a criminal investigation into this matter.
Newton County is outraged at these actions from the Salvation Army and is supporting the DA’s investigation in every way possible. The County has instructed the Salvation Army, which was hired as an external operator to manage this program in April, to cease distribution of funds until the matter is investigated further.
The agreement between the Salvation Army and Newton County requires that the Salvation Army recoup the County for any misappropriation of funds. Newton County will be pursuing reimbursement of the funds as swiftly as possible.
Original source can be found here.
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