Long-time readers of Congress Heights on the Rise will recall this was not the first time that concerns were raised about the finances of ANC 8C. In fact, this site was created in 2008 after discovering financial irregularities in previous ANC 8C audit reports. Shortly thereafter, The Advoc8te and concerned residents of ANC 8C contacted DC agencies and a Councilmember (who at the time had oversight of the ANCs) regarding questionable ANC 8C “rent” payments. Unfortunately, nothing ever happened and ANC 8C’s Chairwoman Mary Cuthbert continued to serve. The Advoc8te finds this latest audit report very alarming but not surprising. In a 2011 post, The Advoc8te made it clear financial mismanagement in ANC 8C was likely to continue without significant and immediate intervention. This was not just a failing on the part of the ANC but the DC agencies and DC Council that was tasked with oversight, no one can claim ignorance. That’s the real tragedy of this story, it could have been avoided. Go HERE to review CHotR’s past coverage of ANC 8C.

The ANC 8C Commissioners alleged to have misappropriated funds per the 2019 auditor’s report are:

Mary Cuthbert, Former Chairperson
Rhonda Edwards-Hines, Former Treasurer

I am pleased and encouraged that Mike Austin, the current Chair of ANC 8C requested this latest audit, it was the right and sensible thing to do. That said, the former treasurer, Rhonda Edwards-Hines remains on the ANC 8C commission so I hope the commission will be more vigilant and proactive. No word if any steps will be taken to recoup the misappropriated money and/or the missing computers and tablets (Ms. Edwards-Hines alleges this equipment was lost due to theft).

CURRENT ANC 8C COMMISSIONERS

This latest round of misappropriated funding is but a drop in the bucket in compared to the years and years of irresponsible and/or unauthorized spending and missed and/or forfeited allotments experienced in ANC 8C. It’s frustrating when one takes into account the many needs in ANC 8C and how the funds could have been used responsibly to help members of the community. In my honest opinion, to allow this type of betrayal to occur without holding those responsible would be adding insult to injury.

Concerned residents are encouraged to contact the following agencies to request an investigation and attempt to recoup the misappropriated money:

DC Office of the Attorney General
441 4th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
phone: (202) 727-3400
Fax: (202) 347-8922
TTY: (202) 727-3400
Email: oag@dc.gov

Office of the Inspector General
717 14th Street, NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 727-2540
Fax: (202) 727-9903
Email: oig@dc.gov

Read the August 23, 2019 audit report in full HERE.
Read the 2009 audit report HERE.

Including highlights of the August 23, 2019 audit report below (highlighted text provide by The Advoc8te).