Allegations of Misused Funds May End a Migrant Legal Aid Project

The Legal Services Corp. said Friday that it is moving to eliminate federal financing from a legal aid program for migrant workers because about $140,000 was spent for personal trips and office parties.

The government corporation initiated the action against the Migrant Legal Action Program of Washington, which functions as a support center for lawyers in the field serving migrant workers.

The U.S. attorney’s office in Washington has been asked to investigate whether the money can be recovered, the corporation said.

Roger Rosenthal, director of the program, said the allegations are untrue and “politically motivated” because the corporation wants to eliminate migrant assistance programs.

Rosenthal, who was not the director when the improprieties allegedly occurred from 1980 to 1985, said there is no justification for trying to eliminate the program.

Hearing Scheduled

An administrative hearing on the proposed fund cutoff is scheduled for Nov. 4.

Daryl Borgquist, spokesman for the corporation, said the agency is accusing the former executive director of the project, Stephen Nagler, of using $94,000 for personal expenditures.