In a recent investigative report, it was revealed that the city of Pittsburgh is owed nearly $2 million in unpaid invoices linked to secondary employment by police officers. These invoices stretch back several years, raising questions about oversight and collection processes. Chief Investigator Rick Earle uncovered these discrepancies after accessing detailed records through a right-to-know request. The investigation further highlights connections to past financial mismanagement scandals within the Pittsburgh Police Department, emphasizing the need for improved accountability measures.
Unpaid Bills Plague Pittsburgh's Secondary Employment System
In the heart of Pittsburgh, an issue involving unpaid invoices has come under scrutiny. Following an extensive investigation, it was discovered that hundreds of companies owe the city substantial sums for hiring police officers for secondary jobs. This problem dates back several years, with some bills remaining unpaid for as long as three years. Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt acknowledged flaws in the current collection process, attributing them partly to staff changes and a challenging transition when a company managing secondary employment was sold in 2022.
Among the 576 outstanding invoices totaling $1.8 million, a significant portion are overdue by more than four months. Schmidt expressed confidence in recovering most of the funds, despite acknowledging setbacks such as clerical errors that incorrectly flagged some companies as delinquent. To address these issues, Schmidt has appointed his assistant public safety director to oversee collections, already resulting in the recovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
This situation echoes previous controversies surrounding the misuse of secondary employment funds, including a high-profile case where a former police chief faced federal charges. Recognizing the urgency for reform, Schmidt aims to implement a new contract system by June, incorporating advanced technology like geo-fencing to ensure accurate tracking of officer work hours and efficient collection procedures.
From a journalist's perspective, this investigation underscores the importance of transparent financial management in public services. It serves as a reminder that vigilance and accountability are essential to prevent recurrence of past mistakes. By adopting modern solutions and strengthening internal controls, Pittsburgh can pave the way toward a more reliable and trustworthy system for managing secondary employment funds. Such efforts not only restore public trust but also ensure fair use of taxpayer money.
A single mother of five, planning to fund her son’s college education by selling an unnecessary vehicle, became a victim of a fraudulent transaction on Facebook Marketplace. Despite taking precautions, she handed over the car after receiving a Zelle payment that later failed. Now, she is left without the money and the car, attempting to recover funds while reflecting on the ease of online scams.
Details of the Deceptive Transaction
In a story filled with unexpected twists, Katonya Douglas encountered a scammer while trying to sell her car. In the vibrant season of autumn, when leaves change colors and hopes remain steadfast, this mother planned to support her son’s educational journey. She listed the vehicle on Facebook Marketplace, attracting multiple interested buyers. Opting for what seemed like a reliable offer, she met the buyer at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The buyer initially paid part of the price in cash and sent the remaining amount through Zelle, a digital payment platform. Trusting the notification from her bank, she transferred ownership documents and keys. However, the following morning brought bitter news: the Zelle payment had failed. Adding insult to injury, the buyer disappeared after providing a few additional dollars, leaving Douglas out of pocket and without transportation.
From a journalistic perspective, this incident underscores the importance of caution in online transactions. Although Facebook Marketplace provides a convenient platform for buying and selling items, it also presents opportunities for scammers. Similarly, using apps like Zelle can be risky unless users confirm receipt of funds in their accounts before completing deals. This case serves as a reminder that even intelligent individuals can fall prey to scams due to misplaced trust. As technology evolves, so do the methods employed by fraudsters, making vigilance crucial in safeguarding personal assets. It also highlights the necessity for platforms such as Zelle to improve policies ensuring reimbursements for victims of scams under specific conditions.