DOJ inspector general flags misused funds in victims of crime program

The Justice Department’s inspector general reported over $1.96 million in questionable expenses tied to the Victims of Crime Act, highlighting mismanagement in multiple states.

The Department of Justice’s inspector general released audits indicating that more than $1.96 million in questionable spending has occurred under the Victims of Crime Act, a law intended to fund victim-focused services. In Nevada, the charity Miracle Minds Therapy, also known as United Citizens Foundation, was cited for billing the DOJ for personnel costs, improper cost allocation, retroactive billing, and undisclosed related-party transactions, including $89,911 in rent charges that violated conflict-of-interest rules.

The audit also found the organization charging insurance companies for victim care contrary to federal guidelines. Inspectors issued 13 recommendations for the state’s Division of Child and Family Services and called for a repayment of $365,134. Conversely, audits of agencies in Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Kentucky, Alabama, Indiana and North Dakota reported no serious issues. Overall, the inspector general’s 2026 reviews identified $33.9 million in questionable costs across all DOJ programs and generated 331 recommendations.