Washington
D.C. AG wants to freeze Casa Ruby’s bank account
D.C.’s legal professional basic desires to freeze the monetary accounts of a non-profit that after offered housing to LGBTQ+ youth after a bombshell Washington Put up report detailed monetary mismanagement by the group.
Why it issues: The legal professional basic’s workplace is liable for policing non-profit organizations to make sure they’re utilizing funds according to their mission.
What’s taking place: The Washington Put up report final month discovered that these as soon as served by the non-profit have been compelled to vacate their housing, and staff have been left unpaid. Three landlords of Casa Ruby buildings say Corado hasn’t paid lease.
Government Director Ruby Corado, who based Casa Ruby in 2012, withdrew tens of 1000’s of {dollars} from the non-profit’s account by way of 2021, utilizing ATM and money withdrawals, the grievance says. It additionally alleges that she used greater than $60,000 to pay payments for a cost card in addition to to pay for meals and transportation to and in El Salvador—the place Corado says she is opening a brand new Casa Ruby location.
- Casa Ruby has additionally acquired a number of grants from D.C. authorities, totaling greater than $9.6 million since 2016.
Flashback: Corado was acknowledged in 2019 as a “Washingtonian of the 12 months,” telling Washingtonian Journal: “I don’t know anyplace on this planet the place a homeless, HIV-positive, undocumented trans girl of coloration can have a dream of serving folks in her neighborhood and be capable of stay that dream.”
- The journal has since amended the article, noting these allegations.
State of play: The momentary restraining order filed Monday by Racine’s workplace seeks to cease Corado from withdrawing more cash from the non-profit’s accounts.
- The movement additionally desires a Court docket-appointed official to stabilize and reform Casa Ruby in addition to oversee the group’s previous monetary dealings.
- Racine additionally desires to regain any misspent funds.