USDA Office of Inspector General. Month in Review -March 2023

 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.     Learn more about the USDA Office of Inspector General.   Eastern Idaho Farmers Pay $500,000 to Resolve Allegations They Defrauded the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Three farmers in Eastern Idaho have paid a total of $500,000 to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting fraudulent Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) applications. CFAP was intended to provide direct support to farmers and ranchers to offset losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.   Read the Press Release Texas Woman Sentenced For Fraud And Money Laundering Conspiracies Targeting Federally Funded Meal Programs For Underprivileged Youth A resident of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced in federal court for her role in defrauding federally funded meal programs. The 50-year-old woman was sentenced to 36 months’ incarceration following her guilty plea to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.   Read the Press Release Western North Carolina Dog Fighters Sentenced to Federal Prison Two North Carolina men were sentenced for violations of the Animal Welfare Act for engaging in dog fighting and related criminal conduct. One man will serve 16 months in prison and the other will serve six months in prison. Both defendants will serve two years of supervised release following the completion of their sentences and are prohibited from possessing any dogs during the term of supervision.   Read the Press Release Recent Audit Reports Environmental Quality Incentives Program As part of the Office of Inspector General’s oversight responsibility, we are issuing this informational report about the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which is undergoing an audit of its payment schedule process. Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program – Puerto Rico We evaluated Farm Service Agency's administration and oversight of the Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program in Puerto Rico. Government Purchase Card OIG reviewed USDA cardholder transactions for improper or erroneous purchases in conformance with laws and regulations. USDA OIG Phyllis K. Fong Testifies At Oversight Hearing Inspector General Phyllis K. Fong testified March 9 at the Oversight Hearing before the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations. Read the Testimony Hotline - Report Fraud, Waste and Abuse You can confidentially or anonymously report violations of laws and regulations relating to USDA programs online, by phone, or in writing.   Submit a Complaint