Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the OAC Observations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
OAC official details 'observations' alleging unsupported transfers, stale checks and missing documentation
Summary
Petuna Cooper, head of DCHA's Office of Audit & Compliance, told the Committee on Housing that OAC compiled 10 observations from finance staff files and a 100+ page document, citing wire transfers, large R&M-to-general‑fund transfers and stale checks; she said OAC could not verify management responses without further testing.
Petuna Cooper, who leads the Office of Audit and Compliance at the District of Columbia Housing Authority, told the Council's Committee on Housing that her office compiled a package of observations after receiving documents from finance staff. "When we notified, we always say notified leadership that these issues existed. That's what we presented to them," Cooper said.
Cooper read from the package in committee and cited several items she described as "unusual activity": a compilation of wire transfers totaling about $1.4 million, transfers from repair and maintenance (R&M) funds into the agency's general fund totaling roughly $60 million, and more than $2 million in stale‑dated checks along with smaller amounts paid on vouchers for deceased residents. She said OAC labeled the items "observations" because they arose from an internal review and required follow‑up testing to become findings.
Cooper said the OAC was blocked from pursuing some follow‑up work and was later placed on paid administrative leave; she told the committee OAC's next step would be to verify management's responses by requesting supporting documents and performing tests. "Some of the responses indicated ... that the issues were resolved. But as an auditor ... we were looking for accountability," she said.
