"Superlawyer" Cape Raises Funding Questions
Most companies have a party during the winter holiday season. Some encourage their employees to dress festively to celebrate. One such firm decided to pay for its costumes from the company coffer. The problem? The group in question was the District Attorney's office in Fulton County, Georgia, and the money allegedly came from an account of confiscated funds and court fees, which was intended for victim assistance.
According to federal law, any money confiscated during an investigation (usually a drug bust) can be used in programs that will help seize more money (usually future drug busts). Paul Howard, Fulton County's DA, reportedly used such confiscated funds for dinners, galas, court fees, college sports tickets, staff celebrations, and, of course, an $89 cape with "Superlawyer" printed on it.
Also among the allegations being invested by auditors is the combination into a single account of federal funds which were meant for specific, separate purposes. So what does the DA have to say about all this?
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Howard is defending his appropriation of money, claiming that the morale boost provided by all the extravagances will lead to better, more competent work-and ultimately, the elimination of crime.
And the Superlawyer cape, Mr. Howard?
The DA reportedly says that, because he is unable to pay his workers overtime or bonuses, he offers compensation in the form of festivities. And, apparently, overpriced superhero accessories. While Howard's argument may hold water in theory, it's hard to swallow in practice.
The institution claims as its mission "to prosecute professionally and competently…, to advocate for the rights of victims;…to prevent crime; and to create a work atmosphere which allows all employees to achieve their highest potential." It seems that perhaps some of these goals are taking precedence over others.
There's no legal proof that the "rights of victims" are not being served by college football tickets or that "preventing crime" cannot be done with a costly Halloween costume. But some parties are intuitive enough to be concerned anyway.
The Georgia Public Policy Foundation's vice president, Kelly McCutchen, is one such party. The AJC reports that he considers Howard's use of funds "questionable." Technically neither illegal nor unethical, the spending apparently worries McCutchen and like-minded people because they're unconvinced that the items purchased will ultimately help eradicate crime.
I guess they've never heard of Clark Kent.
The "questionable" expenditures reportedly total more than $2.04 million. Although the ultimate legality of the District Attorney's actions remains unclear, the investigation itself serves as a warning. Frivolous and unnecessary spending of federal money needs to stop. And the so-called Superlawyers need to start saving victims.
