Press Releases

Comptroller refers to Justice an investigation into alleged irregularities in a temporary employment program in the Municipality of Arroyo

Report identifies inconsistencies between labor attendance records and in-person attendance at university courses of a participant funded with public funds

San Juan, Puerto Rico – (June 8, 2026) The Comptroller of Puerto Rico, CPA and Attorney Carmen A. Vega Fournier, reported today the results of an investigation conducted by the Office of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico (OCPR) related to alleged irregularities in the recording and approval of the attendance of a participant in the Work Experience/Disaster Temporary Employment Program – Out-of-School Youth and Dislocated Workers Program, administered by the Alianza Municipal de Servicios Integrados (AMSI) and assigned to work in the Municipality of Arroyo.

The investigation arose after a complaint received at the OCPR in which it was alleged that a program participant was working in the Municipality of Arroyo while simultaneously pursuing in-person university studies at the Mayagüez Campus of the University of Puerto Rico.

“Effective oversight of public resources requires that governmental entities maintain adequate controls to ensure that funds allocated to employment and workforce development programs are used in accordance with the law and the purposes for which they were intended,” the Comptroller stated.

The investigation confirmed that the participant worked in the Municipality of Arroyo from June 14 to December 31, 2024 under the program administered by AMSI. During that period he received $15,237.52 in net salary, paid with funds from the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (AAFAF).

The evidence gathered by the investigators included official certifications issued by AMSI, academic documentation provided by the Mayagüez Campus, and interviews conducted during the investigative process.

According to the information obtained, AMSI certified that the supervision and approval of the participant's attendance fell to a special aide to the mayor of Arroyo. Likewise, it was reported that the participant's work schedule was variable and not subject to a fixed work schedule.

The investigation revealed that during the academic semester from August to December 2024 the participant was enrolled in five in-person and hybrid university courses at the Mayagüez Campus. The schedules of those courses coincided on multiple occasions with the hours reported as worked in the Municipality.

As part of the investigation, university professors certified the student's physical presence on several specific dates corresponding to two of the courses examined. When comparing that information with the labor attendance records, the investigators identified six occasions on which the participant reported being present at his workplace during hours that coincided with his in-person attendance at university courses.

The dates identified were August 12, 21 and 28, 2024, as well as October 16, 23 and 30, 2024.

Additionally, the OCPR identified schedule conflicts between the labor and academic attendance records on another 27 days during the period from August 13 to December 5, 2024. Although in these cases it was not possible to obtain additional certifications of physical presence in the classrooms, the documentation examined reflected incompatibilities between the participant's academic and labor obligations.

After evaluating the evidence gathered, the OCPR concluded that there is a pattern of inconsistencies between the hours reported as worked and the participant's academic obligations, a situation that casts doubt on the simultaneous fulfillment of both responsibilities.

The report notes that these circumstances constitute a possible misuse of funds from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), federal legislation designed to promote employment, training and workforce development opportunities.

“The evidence obtained during the investigation reflects situations that compromise the transparency, legality and sound administration of public resources. It now falls to the agencies with jurisdiction to evaluate the facts and determine whether additional measures should be adopted,” the Comptroller added.

As a result of the investigation, the Office of the Comptroller referred the case to the Department of Justice so that it may evaluate possible violations of laws or regulations and determine the appropriate actions. Likewise, a referral was issued to the Alianza Municipal de Servicios Integrados (AMSI) so that it may examine the findings and adopt the pertinent administrative measures.

In addition, the Office of the Comptroller recommended that the mayor of Arroyo establish more rigorous controls to ensure that the supervisors of participants assigned to programs administered by AMSI exercise effective supervision, properly validate attendance, and ensure faithful compliance with assigned labor responsibilities.

Nevertheless, once the incident was identified, AMSI acted promptly and responsibly, implementing immediate measures to correct the situation and ensure the transparency and compliance of the processes. This swift response demonstrates AMSI's commitment to integrity and the protection of public resources, reinforcing confidence in its management.

The Comptroller emphasized that the adequate supervision of programs funded with state and federal funds is an essential element to protect the public treasury and preserve public trust in governmental institutions.

“Citizens have the right to expect that every dollar invested in public programs is used responsibly, transparently and in accordance with the law. Accountability continues to be one of the most important tools for strengthening confidence in government management,” concluded Attorney Vega Fournier.