MN DHS has not started investigation into top child care fraud investigator. She's made $42k while on leave.

Jul. 13--It's been nearly four months since the state Department of Human Services put Inspector General Carolyn Ham on leave to look into a complaint and the investigation has yet to start, she says.

Ham, Minnesota's top investigator of child care fraud, has been paid about $42,000 in the meantime.

Ham was put on leave March 18 after an audit singled her out in detailing a rift within the ranks of those responsible for rooting out fraud. She makes $132,880 a year, according to the Department of Human Services.

In a statement to the Pioneer Press on Friday, Ham said the investigation into her complaint has still not started. July 23 is the expected start date, she said.

"As I have said from the beginning, this investigation is purely political and there was no wrongdoing on my part," Ham said. "I have patiently waited for the investigation to begin, and I am ready to cooperate in any way that is necessary. As to the reason for the long delay, you will have to ask DHS."

Here's what DHS had to say, in an emailed statement: "Information about the status of investigations is not public. We can confirm that there is an open complaint."

State laws require officials to acknowledge the existence of a complaint against a public employee, but the details of the complaint are not disclosed unless a worker is disciplined.

A March report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor found "pervasive" fraud in a state-administered child care program. The audit painted a picture of a team of 14 fraud investigators who seemed on a different page than their boss, Ham, who oversees some 250 employees charged with oversight of human services programs.

The report noted that fraud investigators said they worked closely with Ham's predecessor, but none of them had any interaction with Ham since she was appointed in 2017. Some investigators said they felt Ham tried to undermine them when they raised concerns about the potential extent of the fraud.

State Rep. Mary Franson, R-Alexandria, said in a statement Friday that DHS and the Walz administration should answer for the delay.

"If what Ms. Ham says is true, and the investigation has not yet begun, we deserve answers from Governor Walz and Commissioner Lourey -- immediately. Minnesota taxpayers have paid $42,000 for her to remain on investigative leave for her role in allowing what the Legislative Auditor described as "pervasive" fraud. She should have been removed months ago," Franson said.

___

(c)2019 the Pioneer Press (St. Paul, Minn.)

Visit the Pioneer Press (St. Paul, Minn.) at www.twincities.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.