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Attorneys drop hints that feds are eyeing former Gov. Phil Bryant in welfare investigation
Federal prosecutors are keeping quiet about their probe into welfare misspending while Phil Bryant was governor. But in recent filings and interviews, attorneys are hinting that Bryant is a target.
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HOW IT ALL STARTED
We’ve been chasing this story on corruption in Mississippi’s welfare programs for two years
We know that this story matters to you and Mississippi. Our reporting on corruption in welfare programs is far from over, and we want your support.
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There are several different ways, some criminal and some just wrong, that the people in charge of the welfare program misspent the money, according to auditors.
1) Agency and nonprofit employees are accused of forging documents in order to issue or cover up illegal payments, sometimes to themselves – a clear crime.
2) Officials and contractors awarded TANF money for activities or programs that did not serve the poor or satisfy other goals of the welfare program, a possible violation of federal regulations.
3) Officials awarded money to specific vendors – at times on the suggestion of political figures – without an application or bid process, a possible violation of federal grant guidance.
A federal grant purchase might be wasteful, constitute a conflict of interest or violate federal grant rules, but not rise to the level of a crime. That’s why criminal charges in the state’s case so far cover only about $4 million, while the auditor’s office has recommended civil damages up to $96 million – $77 million the office says John Davis misspent plus interest.
Mississippi welfare: What we bought versus what we could have bought
We broke down what an audit alleges MDHS actually purchased versus what could have been purchased with funding from the federal TANF program.
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READ ALL OF OUR mississippi Welfare COVERAGE
Democrats, not Republicans, seek to reform Mississippi welfare agency in wake of embezzlement scandal
The Mississippi welfare scandal has ensnared several top Republicans in the state. Democrats, but not Republicans, want to reform the welfare agency.
Welfare recipient won’t stop fighting for ‘decency and common sense’
Mississippi welfare policies hinder single moms from improving their lives and those of their children.
State adds USM volleyball project to effort to recoup misspent welfare funds
The state of Mississippi has filed civil charges attempting to recoup welfare money spent to build a volleyball stadium at Southern Miss.
Brett Favre says welfare probe has ignored Gov. Bryant’s role
Favre says he’s being blamed for millions in misspent welfare funds while letting Phil Bryant off the hook.
Phil Bryant asks court to throw out subpoena for Brett Favre pharma texts
Former Gov. Phil Bryant faces a subpoena for a swath of records, including his texts with former NFL quarterback Brett Favre about a concussion drug company.
As USM speaks on welfare scandal, students and faculty ask ‘what other secrets lie below the surface?’
USM faculty senate is bewildered by administration’s statement about its role in welfare scandal and the welfare agency’s response.
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