Allegheny County has agreed to pay $629,043 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by not providing the required share of resources in exchange for AmeriCorps funds. The announcement was made by United States Attorney David Metcalf.
The county had agreed to a cost-sharing arrangement as a condition for receiving federal funding for its AmeriCorps program. Between 2018 and 2020, Allegheny County reported that it contributed “in-kind” resources such as classroom and office space, as well as salaries of teachers and administrative staff involved with the AmeriCorps program. However, officials said the county could not provide documentation for $314,521 of these claimed contributions.
The settlement addresses claims that Allegheny County misrepresented its in-kind contributions. Of the total payment, $314,521 will be restitution.
“When receiving federal funds, grantees must meet the terms of the agreements tied to those funds,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “This settlement is a reminder that organizations receiving federal grant funds must adhere to grant compliance requirements.”
“AmeriCorps programs often require grantees to contribute some of their own resources to ensure the programs are successful,“ said Acting AmeriCorps Inspector General Stephen Ravas. “The AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General will continue our work with our law enforcement partners to pursue organizations that do not hold up their end of the bargain.”
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in coordination with the AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Anthony St. Joseph managed both the investigation and settlement process.
Authorities noted that these are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
