Rev. Pinkney found a media report listing recipients of Benton Harbor’s $9.8 million ARPA funds. The city filed the lists (see the end for the most recent list) on 4/19/21 and 4/20/22. American Rescue Plan Act distributes federal money to municipalities to aid Americans in covid recovery. At least that's the stated purpose.
The problem is, there is no evidence or record of ARPA grants or funding
in the Benton Harbor community.
Rev. Pinkney believes the city has acted illegally in four ways:
- Bank Fraud
- False Statement to a Financial Institution
- Money Laundering
- Fraud Scheme
By filing the list below, the city states to the federal gov. that everything on the list is true. Pinkney does not believe the list is correct and true, so therefore, Wire Fraud has also been committed.
He wants the city to supply the following information:
1. Why were there no ARPA funding community meetings?
No community discussion? Other towns included residents in the funding decisions.
2. Was there a vote on the list below?
3. Who in Benton Harbor has the authority to assign the massive figure of one and a half million dollars to anybody?
The amount itself definitely warrants a discussion among residents!
Benton Harbor residents reading this list will most likely question it's veracity.
Residents relief 1,560, 000. (million!)
Renter assistance 500,000.
Utilities 500,000.
Internet access. 30,000.
Neighborhood improvement
Vacant Lot clean up 150,000.
Park Safety improvements 350.000.
Block Club 40,000.
Youth Employment 200,000.
Camera System 250,000.
Fire Hydrants 75,000.
Water& Sewer 1,200, 000.
Non profit- Small Business loans 112, 882.
Church internet 30,000.
Community Garden 12,882.
Income tax 250,000.
