Problem Gambling funding misused

Iowa was in the gambling news again this week, but it was not in connection with the online gambling legislation currently before the state Senate.
Allegations of misuse of funding were leveled at the Eastern Iowa Center for Problem Gambling by state auditor David Vaudt, who claimed that almost $90 000 in problem gambling funding derived from land casinos and the state lottery had been used inappropriately.
The spending under investigation diverted funds from the priorities of the centre, which should have been the treatment of addicted gamblers, but Vaudt found that over $38 000 went to staff in over-payments; almost $30 000 were spent on travel expenses for the centre’s director, Janet Meisenbach; unproved expenses gobbled up another $27 000 and the rest went on vacation payouts.
Associated Press reports that Meisenback has not reacted to the auditor’s report, and apparently has been less than cooperative so far, claiming that she was not aware of any audit of the funds under her management care. It is not yet known whether criminal charges will be filed.

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