Feds deny payment info in Iowa jobs scandal

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Federal officials have denied The Des Moines Register’s requests for information on how much money has been repaid by four people sent to prison in a pay scandal at a government-funded job-training agency.

The newspaper says officials have cited privacy issues in refusing to divulge payment amounts made in the Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium case. Officials say over $2.5 million in public funds was misspent on excessive salaries and bonuses for administrators.

Ramona Cunningham, Karen Tesdell, John Bargman and Archie Brooks were ordered to pay restitution under their sentences.

Karen Redmond of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts says restitution payment amounts are considered internal court information and aren’t publicly disclosed.

A judge last month ruled prosecutors can seize Cunningham’s monthly pension while she’s in prison.