Judge delays $39M budget lawsuit

A Prince George's County Circuit Court judge postponed hearings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday to decide if county officials illegally transferred $39 million in park funding.

What the lawsuit is about

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission sued Prince George's County over a $39 million transfer of project charges, which are expense reimbursements that normally require commission approval.

County asks for delay

County attorneys requested the postponement, citing a new resolution the County Council adopted Tuesday that changes parts of the $39 million transfer.

Council chair introduces resolution

Chair Krystal Oriadha introduced a resolution that council leaders say would clarify the budget transfer and more precisely reflect the council's intent.

Oriadha steered millions to allies

Since taking leadership roles, Oriadha and council member Edward Burroughs have come under scrutiny for pushing to divert millions in project charges to their preferred organizations.

Oriadha's friend gets $4.3M

Oriadha set aside $4.3 million in project charges for Community On The Frontline, run by Janna Parker, her close friend and the godmother of her son.

Burroughs funds youth programs

Council member Edward Burroughs secured $4 million for Joan's House, an Oxon Hill nonprofit that connects young people to educational and professional development opportunities.

Commission tries to subpoena leaders

The commission attempted to subpoena Parker, Joan's House founder Romel Williams, and leaders of other organizations to which the council tried to steer millions in project charges.

Parker evades subpoena service

A process server reported that Janna Parker was evading her subpoena, noting on the fourth attempt that lights were on and vehicles were at her Temple Hills home but she was being ignored.

“Someone is home, but I am being ignored, Lights are on in the home, Vehicle(s) seen at the property”

Williams subpoena also unsuccessful

Four attempts over a week to serve Joan's House founder Romel Williams at his Suitland address were unsuccessful, according to court filings.

Other nonprofits also subpoenaed

The commission also subpoenaed leaders of The Excellence in Education Foundation for PGCPS, which received $4.1 million, and the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, which received $100,000.

What are project charges?

Project charges are expense reimbursements from a decades-old program where organizations and municipal governments can seek reimbursement from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.