Lawmakers call for criminal investigation

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Two Republican state lawmakers are calling for a criminal investigation of a Middleton foster care agency of misusing nearly $5 million in taxpayer money.

Sen. Leah Vukmir of Wauwatosa and Sen. Rob Cowles of Green Bay on Monday called for the state Department of Justice to investigate Community Care Resources.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has revoked the license of the foster care agency following its own audit that found the agency inflated salaries and spent taxpayer money on luxury cars, personal travel and other inappropriate expenses between 2009 and 2011.

Owner Dan Simon has vigorously denied the allegations.

Cowles says in addition to the criminal investigation he is calling for a full review by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau.