Latest news with #Comptroller'sOffice
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Crumbling stairs, bed bugs: Inside NY's adult care facilities deemed unsafe in audit
State health officials failed to conduct required inspections at adult care facilities across New York, leaving thousands of elderly residents exposed to myriad threats, including expired medications, crumbling stairs, bed bugs and uncertified staff, state auditors found. The unaddressed health and safety risks at adult care facilities stemmed from the fact New York's Health Department at times "failed to conduct timely inspections and often lacked documentation to show critical problems were corrected," according to the state Comptroller's Office report. Revelations surrounding the newly reported adult care facility inspection backlogs and failures came after USA TODAY Network-New York revealed state health officials failed to properly inspect nursing homes during the pandemic. State health officials failed to complete adult care facility inspections within the required 12- to 18-month timeframe at 70% of the 30 sampled facilities, with some delayed by as much as five years, state auditors reported. Three of the state's four regional oversight offices had inspection backlogs — New York City, Long Island and Western New York — while Central New York had no backlog. Auditors conducted site visits at 20 of the sampled adult care facilities across the state and found a range of serious health and safety issues, including: Crumbling stairs and walkways. Dishwashers that didn't reach safe temperatures. Refrigerators that weren't cold enough. A lack of regular fire drills. Auditors also found additional unresolved problems at adult care facilities, including: A half-empty vodka bottle in a medical room and marijuana paraphernalia in an administrator's office. Expired medication present four years after a prior citation. Staff still uncertified in basic first aid more than 13 months after being cited. Health officials also failed to document whether facilities corrected violations identified in prior inspections. Of the 89 violations reviewed in 30 inspection reports, auditors found no evidence health officials took corrective action. At 18 of 20 facilities visited, problems cited in earlier inspection reports were not fixed. Investigation: NY vowed to improve nursing homes after COVID. The pandemic made things worse. Here's how At the same time, health officials received 7,440 adult care facility complaints and completed 6,498 complaint investigations from 2018 through 2023. Still, health officials failed to fully investigate some complaints or adequately document its investigations, auditors found, noting in a sample of 130 complaints, 18% of allegations had no evidence they were investigated. Adult care facilities are primarily home to the elderly who can no longer live independently, but do not require the care of a nursing home. These facilities provide housing, meals and personal care for individuals who need help with daily activities, auditors noted. As of 2023, there were 534 adult care facilities operating in New York, serving 37,547 residents, the report added. More: Unsafe care to lawmaking missteps: Why we keep reporting on NY nursing home failures The audit reviewed health officials' oversight of these facilities from January 2018 to October 2024. Health and safety issues at facilities can include, but are not limited to, inadequate staffing, call bells not functioning, no clear emergency shelter plans or the presence of mold, mice or bed bugs. In response to the audit findings, health officials acknowledged delays in inspections and correcting violations, citing staffing shortages and the COVID-19 pandemic as major challenges. Health officials said they have increased hiring, improved tracking systems and created a quality assurance committee to strengthen oversight moving forward. Addressing the stakes of New York's failed oversight of adult care facilities, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli asserted proper inspections "ensure residents are not left in unsafe or unsanitary conditions." "If the state Department of Health isn't conducting timely inspections or following up to make sure violations are corrected, then vulnerable residents could be left at risk,' he added. David Robinson is a veteran health reporter for the USA TODAY Network's New York State Team. Reach him at Drobinson@ This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY's adult care facilities deemed unsafe in state audit
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mount Vernon names new schools superintendent; last one accused of misconduct, forced out
Mount Vernon's school board unanimously appointed a new superintendent, Demario A. Strickland, at a May 14 special meeting. Strickland, who is currently interim superintendent of the Rochester City School District, is expected to start in the district July 1. Strickland, 40, joins the district as challenges loom. Mount Vernon has seen declining enrollment over the last decade. The district is expected to see a scant 2% increase in state Foundation Aid despite serving a high-needs population. Mount Vernon on May 20 proposed a $272.2 million budget that would increase the tax levy by 3.3%. In his first communication with district residents, Strickland said, 'As the new superintendent, I would like to encourage everyone to come out to vote.' Amid financial strains, district officials in April revealed that 84 teachers, teaching assistants and administrators would be laid off this summer, along with 40 civil-service employees. Mount Vernon in 2024 was labeled a district in "significant financial stress" by the state Comptroller's Office. About 73% of students were considered economically disadvantaged and 12% were homeless in 2023-24, according to state Education Department data. About 93% of the district's approximately 6,500 students are Black or Latino. Meanwhile, Mount Vernon's last permanent superintendent, Waveline Bennett-Conroy, had been formally suspended in 2024 by the district amid accusations of misconduct. But the district still ended up forking out tens of thousands of dollars in pay to her. Bennett-Conroy's contract expires June 30. Mount Vernon announced this year that three K-8 campuses would be closed over the summer because of declining enrollment and financial difficulties. In Rochester, Strickland oversaw a school reconfiguration plan that had been laid out by the previous superintendent. Mount Vernon Board of Education President Adriane Saunders said in a May 14 statement that Strickland was "uniquely qualified" because of his experience in urban-based schools and "his ability to create positive outcomes for students." K. Veronica Smith, named Mount Vernon acting superintendent in February 2023, said she was looking forward to collaborating with Strickland. 'He has the experience and accomplishments to continue doing great work in Mount Vernon.' Strickland has a doctorate in educational leadership and master's degrees in administration & supervision; curriculum and teaching; and school district leadership. He was named acting superintendent for the Rochester city schools in 2024 and had been deputy superintendent. He had also been an administrator in the Buffalo Public Schools, a dean of students in New York City and a teacher in New York City. 'I'm very much about student outcomes," Strickland said in a district-issued statement. "Are students safe? Are they feeling seen, affirmed and valued when they come into our schools? Are teachers equipped with a guaranteed and viable curriculum that will help them be able to plan and educate our students to the greatest ability they can? I want to make sure that ZIP code doesn't define what our students are capable of.' This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Mount Vernon names new schools superintendent from Rochester, New York
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
MTSU professor faces multiple charges, including theft and forgery, following state investigation
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — Following a joint investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the state Comptroller's Office, a professor at Middle Tennessee State University has been indicted on several charges — including theft and forgery. According to the Tennessee Comptroller's Office, the investigation started after an internal university audit reported 'questionable transactions' to the state office. The investigation focused on the role of Don Hong in the university's Actuarial Science Program and investigated transactions between January 2020 and February 2025. Read the full investigative report here The investigation reportedly found that Hong misappropriated at least $8,225.48 in donations intended for MTSU. Hong allegedly encouraged students to donate in support of the Actuarial Science Program, but the donations were transferred to Hong's personal bank account rather than being transferred into a university-managed fund. He did remit some donations to MTSU, but the Tennessee Comptroller's Office said that he failed to turn over at least $8,225.48. However, after investigators started reviewing Hong's transactions, he submitted an additional $11,700 to MTSU. Additionally, the investigation found that Hong received cash from students for airport transportation, which he allegedly claimed as a reimbursable expense from the university. The state Comptroller's Office also reported that Hong accepted 'other questionable payments' from students and used student labor for personal benefit without proper authorization. Hong allegedly used a false identity and a fake business name to lease his personally-owned rental properties to international students recruited through his university-funded role. The investigation found that Hong 'appeared to retaliate' against a student who reported his misconduct by submitting an anonymous allegation of academic misconduct using a false identity associated with his personal information. The investigation also found that Hong did not report a student's allegation of violence after it was reported to him. According to the investigative report, when the student approached Hong, he advised her not to contact police 'saying it would being shame because they are Chinese.' On Monday, a Rutherford County grand jury indicted 65-year-old Hong on two counts of theft, one count of forgery, one count of criminal simulation, one count of official misconduct, one count of official oppression and one count of retaliation. Hong was booked into the Rutherford County jail on a $500,000 bond Wednesday. News 2 received the following statement from MTSU: 'MTSU's Office of Audit and Consulting Services first brought these concerns to the attention of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury and the University cooperated extensively with the Comptroller's office in its investigation. The allegations brought forth are serious and, if proven true, we will act quickly and appropriately in the best interest of the University and its students.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NY taxpayers on the hook for $450K as Cuomo sexual harassment accuser settles with the state — just months ahead of mayoral primary
A former state employee who accused Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment clinched a $450,000 settlement — with taxpayers set to foot the massive bill as the former governor makes a comeback bid for New York City mayor. Charlotte Bennett, who served as an assistant to Cuomo when he was governor, officially ended a long-running lawsuit Friday against the Empire State. She is slated to receive $100,000 personally with another $350,000 earmarked for her lawyers and legal costs — all of which will be shelled out by the state. The settlement caps a bruising battle with Cuomo, including a separate federal lawsuit that Bennett later dropped in which her lawyer contended the ex-gov's attorneys had aggressively sought her gynecological records. 'Ms. Bennett is looking forward to moving on with her life,' Bennett's attorney Debra Katz said in a statement Friday about the settlement. The scandal-plagued Cuomo's various bids to clear his name have been costly for New Yorkers. As of March, taxpayers had shelled out nearly $60 million in legal costs to defend against various scandals that embroiled the Cuomo administration, according to a report by the state Comptroller's Office. The tab to defend Cuomo and the state each against Bennett's claims ran upward of $9 million – and a total of $14.3 million was approved had she not settled, according to public records. Bennett, now 29, was the second woman after former gubenatorial aide Lindsey Boylan, to publicly accuse the thrice-elected Democrat of sexual harassment in 2021. She filed suit against the state in March 2023, alleging it failed to act to address her complaint that Cuomo subjected her to degrading sexual harassment on the job and accused her of lying when she came forward with the accusations. As part of the settlement, Bennett — who worked as a top assistant and health policy adviser to Cuomo between May 2019 and June 2020 — agreed not to seek further employment in the state Executive Chamber. The settlement gives Bennett lump sum payouts of $40,000 for post traumatic stress disorder and narcolepsy and $35,000 for emotional distress. The state did not own up to any wrongdoing, or liability, in the agreement, according to a copy of the settlement obtained by The Post. 'This settlement was mutually agreed upon by the parties and allows the State to minimize further cost to the taxpayers,' Avi Small, a spokesman for Gov. Kathy Hochul, said in a statement. Katz maintained her client's allegations were supported by findings from New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office and from the US Department of Justice. But Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi touted the settlement as vindicating the former governor. 'If anyone ever questioned whether this situation was political from the start, today's taxpayer funded nuisance settlement is proof positive,' he claimed. Cuomo in December filed a notice that he would sue Bennett for defamation. That case is still pending but a civil complaint detailing his allegations has yet to be filed. Bennett initially filed her federal lawsuit in September 2022 against Cuomo, his top lieutenant Melissa DeRosa and two other aides — but dropped that case in December just days before she was set to give a sworn deposition about her claims. Bennett said at the time that Cuomo, 67, used the 'unlimited' taxpayer funds at his disposal for his legal defense to attack her, causing her to feel she would be 'better off dead than endure more of this litigation abuse.' Cuomo's legal team made evidence requests for Bennett's medical records, including gynecologists, optometrists and from when she was a minor, Katz asserted at the time. The former governor's attorneys contended that Bennett withdrew the lawsuit to avoid having to admit under oath that her accusations were false. Erica Vladimer, co-founder of the Sexual Harassment Working Group established by former legislative staffers, slammed Cuomo's successor Hochul for how she handled the case. 'Hochul spent $2.5 million dragging Charlotte Bennett through court proceedings,' Vladimer said, referring to the law firm's original contract. 'Is this any different the way Cuomo would have handled it? 'No amount of money may ever make up for the trauma Charlotte endured, and this unnecessary prolonging of legal proceedings could have easily been avoided.' Bennett's accusations against Cuomo remained the same in both the case against the state and her federal suit naming him. She alleged that Cuomo made inappropriate comments to her and that DeRosa and other staffers tried to sweep the accusations under the rug by transferring her to a lower position. During one June 5, 2020, meeting in the governor's office Cuomo allegedly made fun of her wearing a mask during COVID-19, saying that when she breathed it reminded him of the monsters in the movie 'Predator,' her suit claimed She 'laughed uncomfortably' — before he prophetically responded: 'If I were investigated for sexual harassment, I would have to say I told her she looked like a monster,' the suit alleged. Bennett also claimed Cuomo asked her invasive questions about her sex life and told her he was 'lonely' and willing to date someone over 21, the suit alleged. She was 25 at the time. Cuomo stepped down in August 2021 amid the sexual harassment scandal and claims that his office hid the true number of nursing home deaths from COVID during the pandemic. His resignation came two weeks after a report by the attorney general's office found he had sexually harassed 11 women and created a hostile work environment in his office — a finding which was later backed by the federal prosecutors. Cuomo has vehemently maintained his innocence and has attempted to return to power with a run for New York City's mayor. He's currently the frontrunner in the crowded June 24 Democratic primary. Other suits filed over the sexual harassment claims include one from a state trooper who accused Cuomo of touching her inappropriately. That legal battle has cost the state $8.6 million so far, according to Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office. Another $11.7 million has been spent on state investigations, including into Cuomo's handling of the COVID pandemic and his notorious $5 million pandemic book deal, as well as to cover the cost of defending him in impeachment proceedings. Former executive assistant Brittany Commisso, who accused Cuomo of groping her, also has a case against the ex-gov still pending in state court. Boylan, who accused Cuomo of sexual harassment in December 2020, lauded the fact that Bennett would receive some recompense. 'I am glad the state finally did what Andrew Cuomo will not – accept responsibility for the harm his harassment caused Charlotte. Proud of her courage always,' she said Friday. — Additional reporting by Craig McCarthy and Hannah Fierick
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
Mechanicville man sentenced for Medicaid fraud
A Mechanicville man was sentenced to one year in prison and was ordered to pay back more than $3 million to Medicaid in Otsego County Court on Monday, March 24. Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher J. Di Donna said Philip Mtui pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted grand larceny in Otsego County Court March 3. He was sentenced by Judge John Lambert to one year in prison, told to pay back $3,165,413 to Medicaid and he agreed to never again engage in the Medicaid transportation business individually, as a corporation or through a third party. Mtui, who was owner of Phinaliz Communications LLC, a company based in Otsego County, was arrested Aug. 24, 2023 after a joint investigation by the state Comptroller's Office, the Otsego County District Attorney's Office, the Otsego County Sheriff's Office, the Oneonta Police Department and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, a Daily Star archive article stated. The Otsego County Department of Probation, the Otsego County Department of Social Services, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office and the East Greenbush Police Department also assisted in the investigation. Phinaliz Communications was enrolled in the Medicaid program as a participating transportation provider for Medicaid recipients, the article stated. Under Medicaid regulations, patients may use transportation services for legitimate appointments which are billed to the Medicaid program by the provider. The investigation revealed that during a four-year period Medicaid was billed for rides that didn't happen, or were billed double, triple or quadruple the rate of the rides that did occur, officials said previously. Investigators found that Medicaid enrollees were being paid kickbacks by the company to use their service and provide their information to facilitate the alleged crimes, the article stated. According to the article, the crime ring was exposed through a multi-year investigation by state, local and federal authorities involving extensive surveillance and the execution of a search warrant on company headquarters. Mbaga Kaiza, who was the operational manager of the company, was also arrested in 2023, the article stated. Di Donna said Kaiza has not pleaded guilty to any charge and his trial is scheduled to begin May 5.
