State Report Shows Questionable Spending at WRAP
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JACKSON, Tenn. – WRAP or the Women’s Resource and Rape Assistance Program is the focus of an inquiry by the state of Tennessee. 7 Eyewitness News obtained the 12 paged report detailing numerous violations including thousands of dollars that were not accounted for or were used inappropriately. The program’s grants were audited in May. Criminal justice officials found more than $8,000 were allegedly unaccounted for. “Who can you trust? By not being in the organization you don’t know,” said concerned resident Bremer Jack. The Office of Criminal Justice Programs reported two contracts that misused the grant money. For example, in Gibson County one person was hired to assist victims at a non-operating shelter. The report shows the employee who was hired to help victims was used instead as an I.T. director, violating the terms of the grant. “I just believe you need to make sure the finance directors are making sure the funds are being channeled correctly,” said concerned resident Corri Boyett. The Criminal Justice Program’s staff also found a computer bought with money intended for Henry County in Jackson. Reports show the executive director asked an employee to lie about the computer’s whereabouts. 7 Eyewitness News called WRAP to speak to Executive Director Margaret Cole about the allegations, but calls were not returned. 7 Eyewitness News also went to Cole’s home to speak to her, but no one answered the door. WRAP did issue this statement: “At this time the WRAP Executive Committee is reviewing recent finding of a state audit. We are in the process of going over the information and will reserve comment until the issue is resolved”—Denise Stuart ,WRAP Board Chair.
