Allegheny County has agreed to pay $629,043 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by not providing the required level of support for its AmeriCorps program expenditures. The settlement follows an investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General.
According to federal authorities, Allegheny County had committed to meeting a cost-sharing threshold as a condition for receiving federal funding for its AmeriCorps program between 2018 and 2020. The county reported “in-kind” contributions such as classroom and office space, along with salaries for teachers and administrative staff who worked on the program. However, officials stated that Allegheny County was unable to provide documentation supporting $314,521 of these claimed in-kind contributions.
The agreement includes $314,521 in restitution. In connection with the settlement, U.S. Attorney David Metcalf said: “When receiving federal funds, grantees must meet the terms of the agreements tied to those funds. This settlement is a reminder that organizations receiving federal grant funds must adhere to grant compliance requirements.”
Acting AmeriCorps Inspector General Stephen Ravas added: “AmeriCorps programs often require grantees to contribute some of their own resources to ensure the programs are successful. 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.”
Assistant United States Attorney Anthony St. Joseph managed both the investigation and settlement on behalf of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Federal officials noted that these claims are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
