Updated 9:52 a.m. 3/19/15
A Camden, Tennessee, non-profit has allegedly misused more than $730,000 in federal funding.
The Comptroller’s Office reports ABC Nutrition Program administered the funding for more than 330 daycare homes and centers in Tennessee.
The office’s report says ABC Nutrition’s CEO Vivian Parker and her two daughters who serve as directors used the money for bonuses and improvements on Parker’s home.
Comptroller investigator Kevin Huffman says the issue was oversight.
“They did not have an independent board of directors,” he said. “They’re required to disburse funds in accordance with the budget approved by the Department of Human Services, which was not done. The Department of Human services was also required to monitor the organization and there was a lack of oversight.”
Department of Human Services Spokeswoman Stephanie Jarnagin sent a statement saying the agency takes the issue very seriously.
“Officials with State Audit notified the Department of this matter near the end of their investigation of this entity." the statement reads. "The point of notification was after State Audit turned the confidential report over to the district attorney. This did not allow the Department sufficient time to review the issue and develop a more detailed response. The Department’s internal monitoring efforts also identified issues and will work in concert with the district attorney and State Audit to address this matter throughout the legal process.”
Benton County Grand Jury has indicted Parker and her daughters Lisa Carter and Tracy Coady on theft charges.
Court officials couldn’t provide more information due to the sealed indictments.
