A whistleblower in Trenton exposed a conspiracy in which City of Trenton employees fraudulently obtained overtime payments. Michael Ingram and William Kreiss pleaded guilty to embezzling funds from the city. The whistleblower’s claims were initially dismissed by city officials. L.A. Parker reported
City of Trenton Employee Exposes Overtime Fraud
In a shocking revelation, a whistle-blowing City of Trenton employee has exposed a conspiracy within the Bureau of Environmental Health, a division of the city’s Health & Human Services, where employees were fraudulently inflating their overtime hours for financial gain. The employee’s accusations were proven true when two workers pleaded guilty to charges of embezzlement and fraud. This scandal has not only brought attention to the corruption within the city but has also raised concerns about the health and well-being of Trenton’s children.
Guilty Pleas Confirm Fraudulent Activities
Michael Ingram and William Kreiss, two employees of the Bureau of Environmental Health, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to embezzle and obtain funds by fraud. They admitted to inflating their overtime hours and collectively received over $50,000 in fraudulent pay. These illegal activities took place over a four-year period, highlighting the extent of the conspiracy and the amount of money involved.
State Grant Used for Fraudulent Purposes
The City of Trenton had been drawing funds from a State grant for childhood lead testing, which was intended to conduct lead inspections at residences with children who had elevated levels of lead in their blood. Instead, these funds were misused by dishonest employees who took advantage of the system for personal gain.
An Indifference to Honesty and High Standards
Despite the significant impact of this scandal on the health of Trenton’s children, there has been a lack of support and praise for the whistle-blower. This indifference reflects a troubling mob mentality of loyalty and a disregard for honesty and high standards. It is disheartening to see city leaders and other organizations fail to acknowledge the bravery and integrity of the whistle-blower.
Uncovering the Truth
The guilty pleas of Ingram and Kreiss confirm the credibility of the whistle-blower’s allegations. It should be noted that individuals who choose to blow the whistle on corruption often face severe consequences, including prosecution. The fact that the whistle-blower had evidence of meetings and correspondence with city officials further supports her claims.
The Need for Change
This scandal exposes the deep-rooted corruption that plagues the City of Trenton. It is essential for the city to have trustworthy government leaders and citizens who prioritize honest and effective governance. The silence surrounding corruption only hinders any progress towards positive change. It is crucial for individuals to speak up and expose corruption when they witness it, just as the whistle-blower did.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.
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