PITTSBURGH — As the leader of a nonprofit is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars, 11 Investigates has learned that the City of Pittsburgh got the money back from another organization.
New Sun Rising administered the City of Pittsburgh’s Food Justice Fund.
The nonprofit was responsible for making sure the $1.5 million in federal funds were appropriately allocated to community groups.
They say every organization that received money followed the guidelines and turned in receipts except Fishers of Men.
Just last week, their executive director, Emmett Miles, was charged with 29 felonies, including theft, forgery and running a corrupt organization.
Investigators say Miles took $250,000 in grant money from Allegheny County and the state for job training and another $30,000 from Pittsburgh for a nutritional education program.
Investigators say he instead spent the money at bars, restaurants and on lottery tickets.
Under the terms of the agreement with the city, New Sun Rising had to pay the city back.
Council member Barb Warwick confirmed the city was made whole.
“I did get an email clarifying for us that the city did, in fact, get their money back in that particular case; I think it was $30,000,” Warwick said.
In a statement to 11 Investigates, the nonprofit said:
“Unfortunately, New Sun Rising is also a victim following unsuccessful attempts to collect; the deadline was reached, forcing New Sun Rising to use $30,020 of its own unrestricted funds to pay the city the amount owed by Fishers of Men.”
While the city claims Miles should never have gotten the money because his nonprofit status had been revoked, New Sun Rising says they verified the tax-exempt status.
Whatever happened, councilmember Warwick is praising New Sun Rising for taking responsibility.
“I’m glad they stepped up and they did the right thing, and they did what they needed to do. And you know the situation is unfortunate,” Warwick said.
11 Investigates asked New Sun Rising if they filed a police report, and a spokesperson said they are following a progressive collections protocol suggested by their attorney and they are hopeful they’ll recoup the funds.
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