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Misspending, Suspensions In Human Services Department

DETROIT (WWJ) - It was a shake up, Wednesday, in Detroit's Human Services Department. Mayor Dave Bing said more than $200,000 meant to help low-income families with food and clothing somehow ended up being used to new buy furniture.

"Once we became aware of some questionable practices within the Department of Human Services, we immediately launched our internal investigation," Bing told reporters. "That investigation brought to light information about the misuse of assets and resources within the department," he said.

Bing has fired Human Services Department Director Shanetta Coleman and suspended four other staff members.

The Mayor says as result of the allegations, in thirty days, the finance department will start handling all grant related accounting functions across the city.

Bing said it's important that city leaders act immediately, "to make sure we right the wrongs."

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