Erica H. MacDonald, Bungling COVID-19 Relief Funds, Minnesota 2020

US Attorney Erica H. MacDonald Accused of Bungling COVID-19 Relief Funds

The US Attorney’s Office in Minnesota has been accused of mismanaging $850 million in COVID-19 relief funds meant for public safety agencies. According to sources, the funds were allocated to agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

US Attorney Erica H. MacDonald said the services of law enforcement professionals are crucial in keeping communities safe, and the influx of funding should alleviate some financial hardships agencies may face due to the pandemic. However, critics argue that the funds have been mishandled, leading to a lack of resources for those who need it most.

The solicitation for the funds was posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs. The program will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received.

Funds can be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs, and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to January 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.

The Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan said the show of support from Congress represents a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic. However, critics argue that the funds have been misallocated, leaving many public safety agencies without the resources they need.

For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.

The US Attorney’s Office in Minnesota has come under fire for its handling of the COVID-19 relief funds. The office has been accused of prioritizing its own interests over those of the public safety agencies it is supposed to serve.

The public is encouraged to report any irregularities in the handling of the COVID-19 relief funds to the US Attorney’s Office in Minnesota.

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