Prince George’s County Council appoints new auditor amid funding investigation

The Prince George’s County Council is set to appoint Marcel Emerson as the new auditor, according to The Baltimore Banner. Emerson, who has experience as a financial controller and former account manager at Prince George’s Community College, will take over the Office of Audits and Investigations during a critical period.

County Executive Aisha Braveboy called for an investigation into the council’s funding of Community on the Frontline and its fiscal sponsor, the Edward Charles Foundation, as reported by The Baltimore Banner. The foundation, based in Beverly Hills, has returned $7.6 million but is expected to return an additional $5.2 million.

The Office of Audits and Investigations, currently led by acting Auditor Larry Whitehurst, has issued subpoenas to county agencies and the council’s grant office to safeguard relevant records. This is part of the ongoing probe into the council’s grant allocations.

Council Chair Krystal Oriadha stated that the appointment of Emerson strengthens the county’s commitment to oversight, transparency, and accountability, The Baltimore Banner reported. Oriadha also defended the council’s grant process, attributing some criticism to misinformation.

Former Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks described the funding controversies as 'deeply disturbing' during a live broadcast of 'The Politics Hour,' emphasizing the need for accountability, according to The Baltimore Banner.

The investigation and appointment of a new auditor highlight ongoing concerns about transparency in Prince George’s County government. The council’s actions in the coming weeks will be closely watched by local officials and residents.