Center officials said politics was why a different group was chosen to take over the building at East 44th Avenue and Lincoln Street. Selection panel members said they rejected the Globeville community group because it couldn't provide important details about its finances and programs. The group's questionable use of federal and state grants was found in dozens of public records The Post reviewed at various government agencies. The Post also found myriad problems with some of the group's fundraising methods. Besides, Riley said, her business practices were known to those who monitored her programs.
Several volunteers assist with the games each week.
The center was suspended from a food bank program last year - but the community group told Denver officials it was in good standing with its providers. The center allegedly charged people for food instead of accepting voluntary donations or giving the food away, as required. Government agencies were unaware of any problems, various officials said, though the city district attorney's office briefly investigated Riley and the group last year. She wouldn't describe the allegations. One member of the panel that rejected the group's application to keep the city building said he was troubled by The Post's findings.