Council members call for audit

Prince George’s County Council members Jolene Ivey and Sydney Harrison demand an independent audit of two nonprofits linked to their colleagues.

“We can’t say that we’re seeing things that are illegal. But, at minimum, they seem to be unethical.”

Two nonprofits under scrutiny

Community On The Frontline, run by Janna Parker, a close friend of Chair Krystal Oriadha, and Joan’s House, an Oxon Hill-based nonprofit through which Edward Burroughs has established youth programs.

Chair defends grant decisions

Chair Krystal Oriadha welcomed an audit of council grant programs and recently instituted a policy requiring audits every two years for grants over $150,000.

“This reflects my longstanding belief that public funding must come with meaningful oversight.”

Council members seek transparency

Ivey and Harrison said council employees are scared to raise concerns for fear of retaliation, especially due to Chair Oriadha’s influence.

“A lot of people are afraid to do anything that might upset the chair, especially this chair, because that would put them at risk of losing their jobs.”

Circuit court blocks transfer

A circuit court judge temporarily blocked the transfer of over $39 million in project charges to the nonprofits, pending a ruling on whether it violates state and local law.

Council members propose oversight

Ivey and Harrison proposed a bill creating an independent Office of the Inspector General to improve transparency, but one committee declined to advance it.

Chair responds to calls

Oriadha said the council will develop a centralized portal where residents can find information about grant recipients and funding details.

“You have to challenge elected officials and make sure that they can verify whatever [it] is they’re saying.”

What happens next

The council faces a court ruling next month on whether the transfer of project charges to nonprofits violates state and local law.