United States Attorney Phone: (515) 284-6283 Press Release Additional Federal Charges filed in CIETC MatterMay 10, 2007
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DES MOINES - On May 10, 2007, a federal grand jury in Des Moines returned a superseding indictment, accusing several individuals of criminal charges stemming from their employment or involvement with the Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium (CIETC), announced United States Attorney Matthew G. Whitaker. This superseding indictment restates the same twenty-seven counts included in the original indictment filed on January 11, 2007, and adds one additional defendant and three additional charges. In particular, the superseding indictment adds Dan Albritton, age 54, of Ankeny, Iowa, as a defendant in the conspiracy count (Count 1). The superseding indictment alleges that Albritton was a member of CIETC’s board and also a paid consultant for CIETC. The superseding indictment alleges that Albritton “made and caused others to make false, misleading and fraudulent pretenses and representations to various oversight entities of CIETC regarding charges to personnel policies, prior CIETC board actions and proposed CIETC board actions,” including with respect to the authority of oversight of CIETC’s chief executive officer and matters relating to supplemental wage and pay incentives and board approval of salaries. Additionally, Counts 28-30 of the superseding indictment, which have been added to the previous charges, allege fraud or misapplication of federal funds under the Workforce Investment Act for youth (“WIA youth”), which included funds to be used by an entity known as Iowa Comprehensive Human Services (“ICHS”). These additional counts are alleged against Ramona Cunningham, age 52, of Farmerville, Louisiana, CIETC’s former Chief Executive Officer; and Karen Tesdell, age 67, of Manson, Iowa, CIETC’s former Chief Accountant. This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa State Auditor’s Office, the Iowa Department of Public Safety, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Labor, and the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa is prosecuting the case, and has been assisted by the Polk County Attorney’s Office. As with any case, an indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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