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AG declines to comment on active investigations; addresses DCYF audit, Urban League probe and a GOP chair's lawsuit
Summary
When asked about an audit showing control issues at DCYF and an investigation into the Tacoma and Seattle Urban League, the Attorney General declined to comment on ongoing investigations, deferred to the state auditor on audits, and said the office will respond to a lawsuit filed by Jim Walsh through the courts.
Reporters pressed the Washington Attorney General for updates on several oversight and investigative matters, including an audit of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), an investigation related to the Tacoma and Seattle Urban League, and a lawsuit filed by Jim Walsh, the state Republican Party chair in Thurston County.
On the DCYF audit, a reporter summarized findings the auditor's office reportedly described at about $500,000,000 across two programs lacking adequate controls, plus overpayments and missing provider records. The AG said the state auditor is the proper independent reviewer and that his office will ensure client agencies take audits seriously. He emphasized a distinction between audit findings about controls and allegations of criminal fraud: "I do wanna distinguish what we've seen and heard about...That is very different in my mind from allegations of fraud." He added that the AG's office receives intake by email and phone and that dozens of allegations have been made; many, he said, appeared baseless but are treated seriously.
When asked for an update on an investigation into the Tacoma and Seattle Urban League, the AG said he could not comment on ongoing investigations and noted the consumer protection division prosecutes civil abuse of charitable funds when warranted.
Separately, the AG addressed a lawsuit filed by Jim Walsh, saying the filing appeared to be a political document and that the legal claims were unclear. "We will respond to it through our court process," he said.
Nut graf: The AG repeatedly declined to discuss the details of open investigations but stressed that audits and complaints are taken seriously, that the independent auditor should continue its work, and that his office will follow legal process for contested lawsuits.
The press conference included questions on other topics as well; the AG closed by reiterating his commitment to defend state laws and to continue transparency efforts.
