An Oklahoma grand jury report has uncovered widespread mismanagement of $40 million in COVID-19 relief funds, leaving citizens without the aid they desperately needed. Despite finding troubling practices and actions, no criminal charges have been brought due to insufficient evidence.
The shocking findings of a multicounty grand jury report have revealed a gross mishandling of federal grant money and the misspending of $40 million in the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) in Oklahoma. This mismanagement has deprived citizens of essential aid during a critical time when they needed it most.
The report, which was recently unsealed, paints a picture of negligence and lack of oversight, with the state disregarding existing safeguards and failing to hold entities accountable for the use of funds.
Oklahoma Misuse of COVID-19 Relief Funds: $40 Million Missing
"We find the grossly negligent handling of federal grant money and utter lack of internal controls and oversight over the grant-funded initiatives to be irresponsible, disappointing, and indefensible," the jury stated.
The report highlights a lack of proper authorization, monitoring, and enforcement, leading to the purchase of non-educational items. These purchases included 817 televisions, 385 watches or smartwatches, 179 doorbell cameras, 174 cell phones and accessories, 71 refrigerators, 27 Xbox systems, and three Christmas trees.
Oklahoma Misuse of COVID-19 Relief Funds: $40 Million Missing
These unallowable purchases not only breached the state's duty to use GEER Fund money for pandemic-related emergency educational assistance but also diverted funds away from those who genuinely needed them.
The report also criticized the state for bestowing control over millions of dollars in federal funding without a proper vetting process or formal agreements to ensure accountability.
Oklahoma Misuse of COVID-19 Relief Funds: $40 Million Missing
Despite the disturbing findings, the grand jury ultimately found insufficient evidence to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime was committed. Nor did it find willful or corrupt misconduct or malfeasance.
The report's findings have resulted in an outpouring of disappointment and anger from Oklahoma citizens, who feel let down by the state's handling of the COVID-19 relief funds.
Oklahoma Misuse of COVID-19 Relief Funds: $40 Million Missing
Oklahoma State Department of Education Superintendent Ryan Walters has prioritized using taxpayer funds efficiently, but in this case, the vendor involved did not adhere to the same standards. Walters has since implemented the highest standards to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer money possible.
The mismanagement of GEER funds in Oklahoma serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of proper oversight, accountability, and adherence to established safeguards when handling public funds. It is imperative that those responsible for distributing and managing these funds do so with the utmost care and transparency to ensure that they reach those who need them most.
