AmeriCorps Grantee Executive Director Found Guilty and Debarred for Submitting Fraudulent Timesheets

A joint investigation with the Lordsburg New Mexico Police Department found that Ms. Mary Cristina Ortiz, Executive Director,The Wellness Coalition, Lordsburg, NM, defrauded the U.S. Government when she allowed two AmeriCorps members (Ms. Ortiz’children) to submit timesheets that falsely claim they performed AmeriCorps service in Lordsburg, NM, while they attendedcollege in another state. Ms. Ortiz actions resulted in the loss of $16,500 in Federal funds.