Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has filed a lawsuit against the nonprofit organization Women in H.E.E.L.S (Healing, Elevation, Empowerment, Love, Support), Inc. and its former CEO, alleging they misused $250,000 in taxpayer-funded grants intended for gun violence prevention initiatives. The funds were awarded for a community-based program aimed at reducing violence in the Congress Heights neighborhood, but an investigation revealed significant financial irregularities, leading to the termination of the grant in 2023.
Specific allegations include the transfer of over $57,000 in grant and charitable funds into the former CEO’s personal account, along with her failure to return more than $200,000 in unspent grant funds following the termination. Schwalb stated that this misuse of funds not only undermines crucial safety efforts but also violates district law. The lawsuit seeks to recover these misappropriated funds and ensure they are redirected to public safety initiatives. A new nonprofit has since been assigned to continue the program’s work in the area.
Read full story at wjla.com
