WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren OhioNewly released document details MYCAP investigation

Newly released document details MYCAP investigation

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio- Details have been released regarding the Ohio Department of Development's investigation into the Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership.

In a letter dated February 5, 2010, Percy Squire, an attorney for MYCAP, responded to a financial review by ODOD, stating that there had been "lapses of judgment," but calling allegations of widespread misconduct "totally unfounded."

The investigation has centered around allegations including nepotism, improper use of weatherization services at the home of director Richard Roller and conflicts of interest regarding relations with vendors.

Of the weatherization assessment and installation that took place at Roller's home, the MYCAP board found that there is a need for the organization to develop a specific policy with regard to training exercises and the private use of resources.

"The MYCAP board has determined that even in the absence of a weatherization training policy, it was an error in judgment for Mr. Roller to not disclose to the board the fact that installation activity was occurring at his home, despite it being on the weekend," the letter states.

Other allegations detailed in the letter include reports from anonymous MYCAP staffers who claimed they feared they would be targeted for retaliation from Roller for cooperating with ODOD, although they did not detail their reasons for that belief.

In a summary of the corrective actions that would be undertaken, the board indentified a need for specific policies to be written dealing with all of the allegations, as well as to establish a full-time compliance officer to ensure against future oversights and to reprimand the executive director.

Roller has since been dismissed as MYCAP's executive director.