Orange County Sues Nonprofit for Alleged Misuse of COVID-19 Relief Funds
Orange County is taking legal action against a nonprofit organization based in Huntington Beach, alleging that it misappropriated millions of dollars intended for COVID-19 relief. The lawsuit claims that the Viet America Society misused over $13 million in funds designed to support food distribution to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and disabled, during the pandemic.
Claims of Fund Mismanagement
Officials, including Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, have expressed outrage at the alleged mismanagement of these critical funds. “It’s outrageous that taxpayer money meant to support those in need has been detailed away,” Foley stated, stressing the county’s commitment to aiding food-insecure residents.
Details of the Allegations
The lawsuit presents serious accusations against the Viet America Society and its affiliates, claiming they “brazenly plundered these funds for their personal gain” from 2020 to 2023. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that the funds were improperly used for the purchase of residential properties, including several homes in Tustin, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, and Buena Park.
Concerns Over Trust and Accountability
The lack of documentation proving the appropriate use of the funds raises significant questions about the management of taxpayer dollars, according to Foley. “The public trusts us with millions of dollars of their hard-earned money, and it is our responsibility to safeguard these funds,” she added.
Responses from County Officials
Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento described the allegations as “egregious,” calling for transparency amid the ongoing investigation. He suggested that if the charges against the nonprofit are validated, Supervisor Andrew Do, whose daughter is associated with the nonprofit, should consider resigning, underscoring the need for answers to residents.
Obligation for Transparency
Following the allegations, county leadership is faced with the task of reviewing contracts and ensuring no similar irregularities are occurring elsewhere. “We now find ourselves having to divert our focus and resources toward addressing this issue,” Foley emphasized, referencing the additional scrutiny required of county contracts.
Taxpayer Impact and Next Steps
The case is now in the hands of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, which will investigate potential criminal wrongdoing in relation to the alleged fund misappropriation. Eyewitness News has reached out to District Attorney Todd Spitzer for further comments, but he has not publicly addressed the matter at this time.
