A federal grand jury has indicted a manager from the West Virginia state health office on charges of approving over $34 million in coronavirus pandemic relief payments to a private firm without verifying whether the vendor provided the goods and services it was contracted to deliver.
The indictment, filed in federal court in Charleston, accuses Timothy Priddy of making false statements to federal agents and in grand jury testimony concerning the payments. Priddy, who held various managerial positions with the state Bureau for Public Health’s Center for Threat Preparedness, has been suspended from his job pending further legal proceedings.
The federal investigation aims to determine whether one or more vendors overcharged or received incorrect payments from federal funds distributed through the state’s Department of Health and Human Resources. According to prosecutors, the vendor in question reported the results of approximately 49,000 COVID-19 tests but submitted invoices reflecting the cost of around 518,000 test kits. Despite this discrepancy, Priddy apparently certified at least 13 invoices totaling approximately $34 million.
The indictment does not name the vendor but states that the company is from out of state and provided test kits, laboratory analysis, and community testing events throughout West Virginia. The state health agency’s contract with the company for diagnostic testing services ended in October 2022, and the agency has fully cooperated with federal investigators.
The vendor was required to provide nasal swab diagnostic testing and upload test results immediately, according to the contract with the state. The tests were conducted for specific DHHR programs and initiatives, including residential youth facilities, hospice agencies, pharmacies, and emergency medical services workers. Vendors were obligated to report the test results to provide accurate information on active COVID-19 infections and outbreaks in different geographical areas.
West Virginia has recorded nearly 8,250 deaths from COVID-19 since March 2020, according to the health agency’s dashboard.
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Unique Perspective:
The alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 relief funds in West Virginia is a concerning example of the potential for corruption and fraud during times of crisis. The misuse of taxpayer dollars intended to support pandemic relief efforts undermines public trust and is a betrayal of the communities in need. This case highlights the importance of implementing strong oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation of funds. It serves as a reminder that the responsible use of public resources is paramount, especially during emergency situations when financial aid should be directed to those who need it most.
