Fed lawyer sets up school corruption hotline


January 6, 2012 at 8:45a.m.

Fed lawyer sets up school corruption hotline

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Western Pennsylvania’s federal prosecutor has set up a hotline where tipsters can report suspected abuse or corruption involving public education funds.

U.S. Attorney David Hickton’s office in Pittsburgh prosecutes federal crimes in 25 western Pennsylvania counties.

Hickton says eliminating school fraud is a Justice Department priority because corruption undermines confidence in public education. Hickton says, “Most fraud is exposed as a result of tips and complaints from other school employees and citizens.”

Among other things, Hickton is looking to prosecute the misuse of federal education funds, bidding corruption, embezzlement, and kickbacks or other collusion with outside vendors.

People calling the hotline at (412) 894-7515 can remain anonymous.