SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE

Another day and another glaring example of how the recovery effort at Ground Zero has failed us.

The Associated Press reported that a former medical examiner’s office worker was sentenced to 15 years in prison for stealing “at least” $9 million much of which was intended to identify the victims of the 9/11 attacks. The report goes on to say the total was closer to $13 million and that $6 million or less than half has been recovered.

Here are a few questions.

How and why was an office worker authorized to handle such amounts?

How many others (supervisors etc) were involved?


Why are we only hearing about this now as he was arrested in 2005?


Why was this conveniently swept under the carpet when we asked questions about the ME’s Office when the new remains were found?



Does the missing laptop, about which we can get no answers, have any information on it relating to this case?


While we are at it here is something else that people should be looking into.


This money was supposed to be used to buy computer systems to track and identify DNA and other forensic evidence from Ground Zero.


Do you know that there was a computer system designed to link personal items with remains uncovered at Ground Zero?


Do you also know that it is alleged that this system (that would potentially identify additional remains) is not being used because it would show a discrepancy in what has been reported by the NYPD Property Department and what was actually inventoried. (A discrepancy of nearly a million in cash and thousands of personal items).


If there is even the possibility that this is correct shouldn’t there be an outside investigation?


Well we have been asking for an investigation for over two years and have been stonewalled at every turn.


It was also reported that the company hired to do DNA identifications had a spotty history yet their contract was renewed without even a competitive bidding process.


Well we have all seen how well the DNA identifications have been going. (About one every 5 months if we’re lucky)


Again where are the checks and balances?


The same things happened with billions in inappropriate grants and questionable contracts granted after 9/11.



This is just one example. How come they are not investigating the Dunkin Donuts that opened in Phoenix with a 9/11 grant or the TSA contract that was paid to a company that wasn’t even incorporated when it applied and filed for bankruptcy shortly after they received hundreds of thousands of dollars.


Audit reports have documented all of these yet nothing was ever done to recoup the money.


Money that could be used to help the 9/11 sick or to rebury the remains from Fresh Kills.


But they do have the time and staff to fight every 9/11 claim for medical assistance that comes in.



Are we the only ones who see something wrong with this picture?