Comment: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING...

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT SECRETARY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CONGRESSIONAL AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS The Honorable Robert Wexler Member, Untied States House of Representatives 2500 North Military Trail Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Dear Representative Wexler, Thank-you for your letters of October 25, 2004, and December 3, 2004, on behalf of your constituent, Ms. Michele Egan-Byron. (Your reference for these letter is Document No.------507 df.) Ms. Michele Egan-Byron is alleging repercussions since becoming a whistle blower with respect to a project funded through the Department’s Housing Opportunities for Person’s with AIDS (HOPWA) grant program. The allegation that HUD program funds were missing or misappropriated was received and investigated by HUD’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) unit in Jacksonville. The relevant funds are a combination of HOPWA and Ryan White CARE Act Title 11 funds. Based on the OIG investigation, it was determined that evidence supported the allegations. The United States Attorney’s Office referred HUD OIG’s findings to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The Public Assistance Fraud and Investigation Unit of FDLE is presently handling the investigation. Additional information as to State’s progress in its investigation may be obtained by contacting FDLE Investigator V----- Car---- at (386) ----6546. As to her whistle blower status, Ms. Egan-Byron might be eligible to initiate action 31 U.S.C. s 3730(H), a section of the False Claims Act providing whistle blower protection and relief including reinstatement, back pay, compensation for special damages, and attorney’s fees. The Department suggests that Ms. Egan-Byron review this provision with her legal counsel. If Ms. Egan-Byron has lost her house due to these events, she might also qualify for a number of HUD housing programs. The Department suggests that she or her representative contact the local HUD field office in Jacksonville to obtain information and available assistance to stabilize her housing situation. She may contact Mr. Gary Ca-----, Director, Office of Community Planning and Development, by writing him at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 301 West Bay Street, Suite 2200, Jacksonville, Florida 32202. Thank-you for your interest in the Department’s programs. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. Sincerely, Steven B. Nesmith Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations