![Mark Puente and Zachary T. Sampson have reported for more than 11 months on questionable financial practices at CareerSource Pinellas and CareerSource Tampa Bay. [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times]](https://www.tampabay.com/resizer//wEF4ug89IM1Avf3JYrgxzAhfrCo=/426x0/smart/filters:format(webP)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tbt.s3.amazonaws.com/public/EQFFD7GEOQI6TKTRIBWI6S7HAY.jpg "Mark Puente and Zachary T. Sampson have reported for more than 11 months on questionable financial practices at CareerSource Pinellas and CareerSource Tampa Bay. [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times]")
Tampa Bay Times reporters Mark Puente and Zachary T. Sampson have reported for more than 11 months on questionable financial practices at CareerSource Pinellas and CareerSource Tampa Bay, two job placement agencies that collect millions in federal tax dollars. The Times revealed how the local offices took credit for finding jobs for thousands of people who never sought help. Amid the fallout, the boards of directors at both agencies fired former CEO Edward Peachey. County Commissions in Pinellas and Hillsborough ousted many board members, and multiple employees were fired. The watchdog coverage led to state and federal investigations, including a criminal probe by the FBI.
/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/tbt/871aaa84-c6df-4aed-b8fd-9ff701244f6c.png "Mark Puente - Former Times staffer")
/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/tbt/c9f69ed6-f9fa-45be-bf88-c6445cbecbc0.png "Zachary T. Sampson - Investigative Reporter")
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