9 Investigates: Taxpayer Money Wasted Through Government Debit Cards

None — A 9 investigation revealed taxpayer money is getting wasted through debit cards.

Federal investigators said Benjamin Clayton, a former U.S. Department of Energy employee, racked up $10,000 in unauthorized purchases by swiping his government-issued gas card over and over, multiple times a day for years.

Mashawn King, a Florida VA hospital police officer, was charged with theft after being accused of milking his government-issued travel card for cash advances and pocketing thousands of dollars.

Channel's 9's investigation of government records, e-mails and audits found hundreds of pages of reports on federal workers misusing their cards in recent months for everything from Ruth's Chris steakhouse dinners to video game systems.

Watch the report here:

VIDEO: 9 Investigates: Taxpayer Money Wasted Through Government Debit Cards

Click here to read Sue Myrick's legislation ordering background checks of government credit/purchase card users.

Click here to read a Government Accountability Office audit revealing problems with government purchase card use.

WSOC