Iowa Auditor Rob Sand issued a report showing that GLBT Youth In Iowa Schools Task Force — or Iowa Safe Schools as the group markets itself — improperly disbursed $12,202.37 from the Federal Victims of Crime Act Assistance Funds the group was awarded by the Iowa Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General Crime Victims Assistance Division.
The period of time covered by the abuse of these funds stretches from July 1, 2016 through Dec. 31, 2020.
Additionally, Sand reported GLBT Youth In Iowa Schools Task Force (Iowa Safe Schools) failed to maintain sufficient supporting documentation for $13,700.41 of disbursements included on the VOCA reimbursement requests submitted for the VOCA funds awarded by the AG’s Office.
Sand’s report noted the costs may be allowable costs, but since federal rules require costs to be necessary and reasonable for the program and supported by adequate documentation, the unsupported disbursements identified are considered questioned costs under federal requirements.
The Victims of Crime Act Formula Grant program was established to provide high quality services that directly improve the health and well-being of victims of crime with priority given to victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and services for previously underserved victims, the report states.
In Iowa, the Attorney General’s Office administers the grant funds.
Nate Monson, who previously served as the Executive Director for GLBT Youth In Iowa Schools Task Force, was allowed to purchase items for the organization using his personal credit/debit card and receive reimbursement with supporting documentation.
The extreme GLBT Youth In Iowa Schools Task Force was first approved for VOCA funds in July 2016.
After Monson left quietly, the new Executive Director at the board of GLBT Youth In Iowa Schools Task Force reviewed the organization’s financial activities. A CPA firm was hired to conduct an audit, but it couldn’t be finished due to checks Monson issued to himself without supporting documentation.
Sand’s office found $12,202.37 of improper use of the funds and $13,700.41 in unsupported use of the funds for a total of $25,902.78.
The radical GLBT Youth In Iowa Schools Task Force organization rented space from the Iowa State Education Association (Teachers’ Union) as well. Rent was an issue in the report as well.
GLBT Youth In Iowa Schools Task Force has been a controversial group in the past. You can read about the group below:
