Prevention Program Closes After Criminal Conspiracy

by Gary Snyder

 A nonprofit has dissolved after an investigation into the juvenile court system ensnared several of the organization’s staff members in criminal conspiracy charges.

Reconnecting Families filed paperwork to disband in July, which became effective Sept. 13, according to state records.

The group's website is now gone, but a cached page from May 2015 gives a description of what it did: "Reconnecting Families partners with the Cobb County community, court system and academic sector to provide prevention programs and treatment to offset the impact of drug addiction on the lives of children, teens and families."

It offered not only scholarship and GED programs, but tangible goods like furniture, clothes and diapers people in court dealing with juvenile, drug and family issues. The group incorporated in November 2007. 

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported on the group’s troubles. 

New court administrator Laura Murphree began the investigation in July after a "whistleblower outcry by several individuals working in and with the court system" alerted her to misuse of grant money. From there, prosecutors audited the books. 

The audit led to a 27-count grand jury indictment on federal racketeering charges in December that accused four people — including former executive director, a court administrator and a former contractor. The charges included racketeering, theft and other felonies for being paid $168,000 of grant money for work that wasn't performed.

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