Auditor Boliek Joins Southeast Fraud Enforcement Partnership to Combat Fraud

State Auditor Dave Boliek joined state and federal leaders from across the Southeast today for the inaugural fraud enforcement partnership roundtable hosted by the U.S. Department of Justice in Columbia, South Carolina.

More than 40 state officials and U.S. Attorneys from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina came together to discuss strengthening collaboration between federal and state agencies and aggressively rooting out fraud involving taxpayer dollars. The partnership will enhance coordination among agencies in protecting public funds and holding bad actors accountable.

"State leaders across the Southeast have come together in an effort to hold fraudsters accountable for taking advantage of American taxpayers," said State Auditor Dave Boliek. "The Office of the State Auditor is committed to tracking down taxpayer dollars directed to programs like Medicaid and unemployment benefits to ensure they are used as intended. I'm honored to represent North Carolina in this state-federal partnership that will undoubtedly be a fraud crackdown that this country needs on a national level."

"Beyond the data streams that are now starting to flow, we are forging more and better relationships with our state partners," Assistant U.S. Attorney General Colin McDonald said in a press conference. "For example, in North Carolina, federal prosecutors are working directly with state program leaders responsible for overseeing federally funded programs, searching for criminals committing Medicaid, SNAP, and daycare fraud."

North Carolina leaders in attendance included Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Eastern District U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle, Middle District U.S. Attorney Dan Bishop, and representatives from Western District U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson's office. Deputy State Auditor Vernon Utley, who has served at the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor for about 20 years, joined Auditor Boliek at the roundtable.