Comptroller identifies irregularities in the handling of laptop computers and electric generators at the Municipality of Peñuelas
San Juan, Puerto Rico (August 20, 2026) — The Comptroller of Puerto Rico, CPA and Attorney Carmen Vega Fournier, reported today the results of an investigation into a complaint in which deficiencies were identified in the handling and disposition of laptop computers and electric generators acquired with public funds at the Municipality of Peñuelas.
The investigation revealed that 15 laptop computers acquired through the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund program, intended to be loaned to student residents of the Municipality to support remote learning, were not being used in accordance with the authorized purpose. At the time of the inspection, ten were being used by municipal employees and officials, four remained stored and unused, and only one had been loaned to a university student.
In addition, the Office of the Comptroller determined that the Municipality acquired 500 electric generators to donate to people with health conditions that require a continuous supply of electricity. Although 484 generators had been delivered, at the time of the inspection ten were still pending donation and six could not be located.
The OCPR concluded that part of the public property was not used for the purpose for which it was acquired, which deprived students of access to the computer loan program and affected residents who had not yet received the generators intended to meet their needs.
As a result of the investigation, the Comptroller recommended that the mayor consider the measures contained in the referral issued, complete the delivery of the pending generators, make the computers available to students in accordance with the approved program, conduct an administrative investigation into the six generators that could not be located and, if their loss is confirmed, report it to the Office of the Comptroller in accordance with the regulations in effect. In addition, she recommended that the Municipal Legislature follow up on the corrective actions to prevent similar situations from recurring.
Investigation Report OC-27-21 is available at www.ocpr.gov.pr.
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