Mass. Charity Comes Under Scrutiny by State

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation is investigating a charity that receives $15-million each year in state contracts — the second time the group has come under scrutiny, reports The Patriot Ledger.

The newspaper, in its own investigation, says that Road to Responsibility, a charity that serves and employs disabled people, spends much more on travel, facilities, and salaries than comparable organizations.

With a budget of $22-million in 2006, Road to Responsibility paid its officers almost $1-million, including $242,732 to its founders, the husband-and-wife team of Richard and Catherine Walker. It spent $1.5-million on travel and contracted with a company owned by the brother of a board member to complete a $1.6-million renovation to its headquarters.

In 1994, the state auditor said that Mr. Walker should repay $24,000 in illegal and questionable expenditures.

The Walkers deny any wrongdoing and say they are complying fully with the investigation. “There will be a full response,” says Ms. Walker. “We’re disclosing everything. We’re going through the process and making sure that people have the information they need.”