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Crime & Courts November 11, 2022 - 5:40 pm

Federal grand jury indicts former Kansas foster care officials on fraud charges

by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector

A federal grand jury has indicted the former CEO and IT director of Saint Francis Ministries for scheming to defraud the foster care provider of at least $4.7 million in fake invoices.

State News September 1, 2022 - 9:20 am

Kansas foster care provider criticizes coverage while Nebraska lawmaker asks for fraud inquiry

by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector

Saint Francis Ministries said statements published in an Aug. 12 story are “inaccurate” and “false,” but wouldn’t identify specific statements in question. The nonprofit also wouldn’t answer questions for this story.

State News August 12, 2022 - 9:53 am

Kansas foster care provider sues former leaders over alleged financial misconduct

by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector

The former CEO, chief counsel and IT director for Saint Francis Ministries used their positions to enrich themselves and their friends as the charity neared financial insolvency, according to allegations made in state and federal lawsuits.

State News August 11, 2022 - 11:59 am

FBI moves to seize bank deposits in alleged $10 million fraud of Kansas foster care provider

by Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector

Federal prosecutors moved to seize $700,000 in a civil asset forfeiture case alleging a former IT employee defrauded Saint Francis Ministries of millions of dollars while the nonprofit was under contract with the state of Kansas to provide foster care and adoption services.

State News December 23, 2021 - 12:31 pm

Audit of Kansas foster care provider scrutinizes financial controls, IT costs, CEO travel, PPP loan

by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector

Former Saint Francis Ministries CEO Robert Smith exploited a lack of financial controls and board oversight to drain the nonprofit’s resources on an IT project and escalating management expenses that included use of taxpayer funds for personal travel, liquor and entertainment.

Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector
State Government June 3, 2021 - 4:50 pm

‘This is a tragedy’: Lawmakers want accountability after death of Kansas foster child

by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector

Lawmakers say the death of an autistic boy in state custody demonstrates the need for more accountability within the Kansas foster care system.

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Current Top Posts

  • Bus, rideshares to transport Lawrence residents to No Kings protest in Topeka; protest set for Watson Park
    Bus, rideshares to transport Lawrence residents to No Kings protest in Topeka; protest set for Watson Park
  • Group drops lawsuit that developer said spurred plans to demolish East Lawrence building
    Group drops lawsuit that developer said spurred plans to demolish East Lawrence building
  • Firefly Festival promises free, bioluminescent fun for the whole family
    Firefly Festival promises free, bioluminescent fun for the whole family
  • Kansas troopers on standby for protests, ahead of nationwide anti-Trump demonstrations
    Kansas troopers on standby for protests, ahead of nationwide anti-Trump demonstrations
  • Democrat steps forward in race for Kansas governor, focuses on schools and ‘kitchen table’ issues
    Democrat steps forward in race for Kansas governor, focuses on schools and ‘kitchen table’ issues
  • Douglas County health officials working to make resources accessible after surge in opioid overdoses
    Douglas County health officials working to make resources accessible after surge in opioid overdoses
  • Community helps Watkins Museum recoup $13K from federal grant cut
    Community helps Watkins Museum recoup $13K from federal grant cut

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