Family secretary says she welcomes Justice Dept. probe
By THE STAR STAFF
Family Secretary Suzanne Roig Fuertes said Wednesday that she welcomes the investigation being conducted by the Puerto Rico Department of Justice into her administration, without specifying the allegations that prompted it.
The statement did not detail the stage of the investigation or which area of the agency is under scrutiny. The official simply stated that the investigation is being carried out in accordance with applicable legal provisions and procedures.
Roig Fuertes reiterated her confidence in the Justice Department’s investigative processes. She also acknowledged the responsibility of the competent authorities to address any matter within the framework of the law, as expressed in the written message.
The official also expressed her conviction that the investigation will confirm that her actions were carried out in accordance with current laws and regulations. However, she did not offer details about the specific facts being examined by the Justice Department or the origin of the investigation.
At the close of her statement, Roig Fuertes said she would not issue any further comments on the matter. With that statement, the official closed the door to questions about the scope of the investigation, at least for now.
The Family Department is the agency responsible for social assistance programs, child protection and services for vulnerable populations in Puerto Rico. Its management has been subject to scrutiny in the past due to the volume of public funds and programs it administers.
The Department of Justice has not yet issued its own statement regarding the scope, origin, or status of the investigation mentioned by the secretary. Nor has it confirmed whether the investigation involves other agency officials or if it is limited exclusively to Roig Fuertes’ tenure.
Roig Fuertes said earlier Wednesday that she had no involvement in the exchange of information between officials of the Family Socioeconomic Development Administration (ADSEF), who were considering providing advance payments to NOLA Education before the contract was signed.
The controversy arose from the attempt to contract NOLA Education LLC to develop the Star Academy educational program, through an estimated investment of $38.5 million using federal funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
