Audit: Colo. job program has misused funds

Colorado auditors say a state vocational program for people with disabilities paid $315,000 during 19 years for one individual and $203,000 during 32 years for another – neither of whom reached their employment goals.

Auditors say those payments were for tuition and other expenses for those individuals, and that one obtained several degrees, including one from a university in the Caribbean.

Those findings released Tuesday were among several that auditors say highlight a lack of oversight and accountability within Colorado’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

Auditors say individuals in the program have spent money intended for employment training for personal use. Auditors also criticized how program officials used corporate credit cards.

Human Services Director Reggie Bicha asked for the audit, saying he wants to make changes to the program his department oversees.