The Iowa Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit today against several former executives and consultants that were involved in a central Iowa employment agency salary scandal. Bob Brammer, a spokesperson for the AG’s office, says they’re seeking the repayment of funds allegedly misspent by former officials of the Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium.

“We’re hoping to recover all of more than $1.3 million in losses sustained by CIETC, it’s member governments and the state of Iowa,” Brammer said. The suit names seven defendants, including three people that are facing a criminal trial scheduled for April 7. The suit also names the former independent auditor for CIETC.

“We allege that the auditor’s negligent conduct permitted the misuse of federal, state and county funds by the other defendants,” Brammer said. “The individuals we allege were involved in a scheme devised by some individuals to divert federal, state and member government funds into the people’s own pockets by way of overcompensation.”

Brammer says the lawsuit does not hinge on the outcome of any upcoming criminal trials. “This is independent of criminal charges filed against a number of the same people,” Brammer explained. “This is a civil lawsuit seeking to recover the funds.” The April 7 trial is scheduled to take place in Davenport, on a change of venue from Des Moines.