Audit questions $573K of spending by NM group

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A federal audit of grant spending has raised questions about more than $573,000 in costs and transfers made by a northern New Mexico tribal organization that had been awarded several grants by the Office on Violence Against Women.

The report released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Inspector General shows the Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council had no process in place to prevent some of the funding from being used for unapproved expenses.

The organization was awarded more than $4.1 million through six grants between 2005 and 2010.

The organization's executive director, Rob Corabi, says he inherited the processing problems and has made changes to ensure grant funds are spent properly.

Corabi also noted that the audit did not find any problems with the council's performance or accomplishments under the grant requirements.