Learning from the Courthouse Scam.

Journal editors ask this, this morning. link

How can future government construction projects
be made, if not fraud-proof, then at least more
fraud-resistant?

Editors pointed out that, during a recent sentencing hearing,
a lawyer tried to minimize his client's role in the scam, by
placing it in a larger context; scams at Metropolitan Detention
Center, the state District Courthouse and the University
Hospital expansion. The lawyer did not elaborate on those
scams, and they will never be prosecuted because statutes of
limitation have expired on the criminal activities.

So what? Those scandals should be investigated, thoroughly,
regardless of whether criminal charges can be brought or not.

Editors point out that the Courthouse scandal was not a freak
occurrence, similar scams abound. The only reason that this
particular scam came to light, had nothing to do with system
safeguards.

A court appointed forensic accountant dug up evidence that
routine government audits of government construction projects
did not, and can not. The "supposed" safeguards of tax dollars
did not threaten the thieves in any manner that gave them pause.

The editors conclude by offering that;

"... thorough postmortem of those projects added to what was divulged by the courthouse case could provide a blueprint to better methods of preventing, detecting and rooting out corruption."

Here is the blueprint;
forensic audits of all government spending projects.

For a very small percentage of the total project cost,
a fraction of a percent overall,
every project could be forensically audited at its conclusion.

Who in their right mind, is going to become involved in a
conspiracy to steal tax dollars,
if the likelihood of getting away with it, is zero?

If Manny Aragon and the rest had known up front, that
there was going to be a forensic audit at the end,
would they have stolen the money anyway?

I doubt it.