A new state audit has revealed that the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) allowed a contractor convicted of second-degree assault and weapons possession to work directly with children in its facilities. The audit also found systemic issues with background checks, overtime spending, inventory controls, and contract oversight.
The 75-page report, covering April 2020 to December 2023, cited that DJS failed to complete background checks for all vendors and had no process for tracking post-hiring criminal activity. The contractor in question was still employed by a DJS vendor as of January 2024.
Auditors also flagged $14.9 million in overtime paid in 2023—over $4 million above budget—including cases where employees earned more in overtime than base salary. Additionally, five vendor contracts totaling $27.6 million lacked required documentation.
In response, DJS Secretary Vincent Schiraldi acknowledged the issues but noted many problems predated the Moore administration. The department pledged to overhaul inventory management, enforce background checks, review overtime practices, and improve contract compliance.
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