Sen. Scott Newman, R-Hutchinson, wants Attorney General Lori Swanson to launch an investigation into Community Action of Minneapolis.
Newman, who is running for attorney general, said it is "the statutory duty of the Attorney General to oversee and investigate suspicious activities of nonprofit organizations in our state. It is further the duty of the Attorney General to prosecute when appropriate."
Ben Wogsland, the spokesman for Swanson, said late Wednesday that the office is awaiting to see what action the Department of Commerce and the Department of Human services takes against Community Action.
"Right now you have two agencies with primary regulatory authority over that money," Wogsland said. "They are proceeding. Right now we are awaiting the outcome of their findings and any enforcement action they choose to take. We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops."
A DHS audit alleges Community Action of Minneapolis misspent hundreds of thousands of dollars between 2011 and 2013 on lavish trips, spas, golfing, alcohol and other expenses.
Bill Davis, the organization's CEO denies the allegations. Rep. Keith Ellison and State Sen. Jeff Hayden were on the organization's board.
Both resigned from the board early this week and deny any wrongdoing.
