BALTIMORE (WBFF) — The Maryland Department of Human Services confirmed procurement rules were violated when an employee billed taxpayers $400 for massages — an expense the state worker tried to conceal. But the agency has refused to say whether anyone was disciplined, fired or required to repay the money.
DHS said it “takes seriously” its responsibility to be “good stewards of taxpayer resources” after an internal review and said the department is “reviewing statewide policy to see what changes may be appropriate to address these situations.”
The admission came after Spotlight on Maryland exposed documents showing a DHS employee knowingly used public funds for massages for themselves and seven others, then instructed the business to alter its invoice so the charge would be approved. Spotlight on Maryland is not naming the massage business or state employee out of concern for their safety and potential retaliation…