Audit: Lumbees misspent $225,000 in housing grant on food, trips

PEMBROKE - While some Lumbee families wait as long as 15 years for help repairing their homes, the tribe spent federal money meant for housing services on an ocean fishing trip, banquet catering and other unallowable expenses, according to a government review.

The Lumbee Indian Tribe of North Carolina must repay about $225,000, including $5,000 for a chartered fishing excursion for 80 veterans and about $10,000 for holiday catering.

The findings are part of a monitoring report conducted by the Eastern/Woodlands Office of Native American Programs, under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

http://www.fayobserver.com/news/local/audit-lumbees-misspent-in-housing-grant-on-food-trips/article_37e1c7f4-80cb-5492-aa40-a27816e2748d.html