Instead of using taxpayer money to train employees on new technology, a Cleveland-area woman went on a cruise and shopping spree, according to a new Ohio Inspector General report.
The woman is accused of spending taxpayer money on shopping in the Bahamas and pricey cosmetics after providing fake training to likely fake employees.
In August 2024, Ohio’s TechCred program gave the woman $50,000 to train 25 employees across two businesses, Pizza Bazaar and Goldenskai Talent Group. TechCred allows employers to collect up to $2,000 per employee to train staff on new technology.
The companies submitted documentation that 15 employees had completed food and beverage technology training and another 10 had finished digital marketing professional lessons.
But an investigation found that those employees never received training. In fact, some employees didn’t exist. The woman is accused of submitting fake information about employees, including Social Security numbers for dead people and invalid numbers.
An Ohio Inspector General probe uncovered the alleged scheme. Instead of reimbursing employees for training, The woman’s bank account revealed charges for a Serenade of the Seas cruise, shopping at TJ Maxx and Coach, Frontier airline expenses and spa services.
The inspector general sent its investigation to the Ohio auditor and the Cuyahoga County prosecutor’s office for possible charges.
This isn’t the first time that someone has been accused of taking advantage of the TechCred program. Ohio doled out more than $1 million to businesses not eligible for funding, according to a January 2024 inspector general report.
After that investigation, the Ohio Department of Development, which administers TechCred, clawed back money and beefed up fraud detection, according to a letter detailing its response.
State government reporter Jessie Balmert can be reached at jbalmert@usatodayco.com or @jbalmert on X.
Ohio woman used taxpayer funds for training on a cruise, shopping spree
