PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said today that the Parker administration is retaining an independent accounting firm to conduct a forensic investigation of the finances of the City’s Office of Homeless Services (OHS), together with the City Office of Inspector General.

“The Office of Inspector General is conducting an investigation into the contracting and spending of the Office of Homeless Services,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said. “The Inspector General has shared some preliminary findings, and they are of grave concern. That’s why we are retaining an independent accountant with specialized expertise to assist the Inspector General in performing a forensic investigation of OHS.”

The Parker administration is retaining the accounting firm of Horsey, Buckner & Heffler LLP to perform the forensic investigation of OHS.  The principals in the firm include Michael G. Horsey and Kia D. Buckner.

“I want to note the diligence and leadership from Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, who has shined a spotlight on OHS for months, highlighted potentially questionable practices, and introduced legislation to address these issues,” Mayor Parker said. “Once these findings are complete, we’ll share them with the Office of Controller Christy Brady.”