[nfbmi-talk] why scrutiny is so important

[joe harcz Comcast]

This is why transparency and scrutiny of Centers for Independent Living and indeed Vocational Rehabilitation Programs is so important. It is obvious that many monitors including the feds (RSA) are dropping the ball.

 

I value and want these programs, but they serve no one when outright corruption let alone waste and incompetence takes place.

 

Joe Harcz

 

 

Capital Soup - Florida News Straight from the Source

Jeff atwater

 

CFO Jeff Atwater Announces Conviction of Fort Myers Man Found Guilty of Misappropriating More than $900,000, Including State Funds

 

 

TALLAHASSEE—Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the conviction of Robert Michael Eugene “Gene” Bruist, 37, of Fort Myers for the

misappropriation of more than $900,000 in funds intended for use by the now defunct Center for Independent Living of Southwest Florida (CILSWFL), a local

non-profit that was providing services to persons with disabilities in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties.

 

“Stealing from hard-working, law-abiding taxpayers is an intolerable act of selfishness, and I applaud the investigators and the jury for making sure justice

was served,” said CFO Atwater. “The Center for Independent Living provided a valuable service to the residents of Southwest Florida, and this man’s careless

actions cheated them out of the assistance they deserved.”

 

This conviction is the product of a joint investigation launched by CFO Atwater’s Office of Fiscal Integrity and the Florida Department of Education’s Office

of Inspector General after the center was unexpectedly closed due to a lack of operational funds. The investigation revealed that Bruist stole state money,

as well as other funds received from sources including federal grants, non-profit grants and individual donations, for his own personal use to fund an

extravagant lifestyle that included international travel.

 

Bruist, the former CILSWFL executive director, was convicted on three felony charges, which included communications fraud, 1st degree grand theft and aggravated

white collar crime. Sentencing is set for May 12. He faces up to 65 years in prison. The office of State Attorney Stephen Russell of the 20th Judicial

Circuit prosecuted the case.

 

CFO Atwater’s Office of Fiscal Integrity is comprised of investigators, accountants and sworn law enforcement detectives who investigate contract fraud

and other theft schemes committed against the State of Florida. The Office of Fiscal Integrity utilizes its statutory subpoena authority to obtain bank

account and other records to “follow the money” in these very complex investigations. To report fraud, waste or abuse of state resources visit

www.MyFloridaCFO.com

or contact the Office of Fiscal Integrity at (850) 413-5514.

 

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, a statewide elected official, oversees the Department of Financial Services.  CFO Atwater’s priorities include fighting

financial fraud, abuse and waste in government, reducing government spending and regulatory burdens that chase away businesses, and providing transparency

and accountability in spending.

 

Source:

http://capitalsoup.com/2014/04/04/cfo-jeff-atwater-announces-conviction-of-fort-myers-man-found-guilty-of-misappropriating-more-than-900000-including-state-funds/