WRAL Investigates has uncovered new details in the investigation into the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People.
On Thursday, the State Bureau of Investigation its financial crimes unit was investigating the committee at the request of the Durham district attorney.
Donald Hughes, the former vice chair of the political action committee, told WRAL Investigates he resigned because he did not agree with how the issue was handled.
Hughes took over as vice chair of the Political Action Committee early this year. He said after a delay in receiving the past bank statements for that committee, what he found showed serious issues.
“It became apparent pretty quickly that there was the potential for serious financial malfeasance and potentially the embezzlement and misappropriation of the Durham Committee PAC’s tens of thousands of dollars,” Hughes said. “I was deeply disturbed upon finding out.”
Hughes claimed the group’s bank statements do not line up with the campaign finance reports filed with the state and include unusual charges, such as a payment to a beauty supply store in Durham.
“Knowing a little bit about campaign finance law, those charges do not align with what should be happening with campaign finance dollars,” Hughes said. “There were payments made to makeup artists, to hair stylists. There were payments made at local beauty supply stores.
“So, it was very clear upon a cursory look at the bank statements that these charges were made not in accordance with state campaign finance laws.”
Hughes said the committee hired a CPA to conduct a report on the finances, but he hasn’t seen it, which is one reason for his resignation.
“There is no way that I could remain in that position without having the ability to review that report,” Hughes said. “I think it was imperative that I spoke out publicly to warn other organizations, but to also show that as an individual, I value transparency, I value integrity, and that no one, no matter your political affiliation, is above the law.”
Floyd McKissick Jr. took over as chair of the organization in January. McKissick provided a statement to WRAL Investigates on Thursday, saying quote:
“We are optimistic that any person or persons that engaged in criminal wrongdoing will be held accountable, but we cannot discuss it any further because of an ongoing investigation, which we initiated, based upon the findings in a report prepared by a CPA.”
On Thursday, WRAL Investigates reached out to Durham District Attorney Satana Deberry about her request for the SBI to look into Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, but we have not heard back from her.
No one has been charged in this case, and a spokesperson for the SBI said the bureau cannot confirm any names or persons of interest as of Friday.
