Unauthorized state bank account for mental health officials draws ethics scrutiny

Two pharmaceutical companies paid nearly $14,000 into an unauthorized state bank account that was used by state mental health officials for travel, meals and other expenses at a time when the drugmakers were courting state business, records show.

Janssen Pharmaceutica and Pfizer Inc., also paid at least $10,000 to two state officials who helped win approval for a mental-health treatment plan that uses drugs manufactured by the companies, according to interviews and a review of documents from the state Office of Inspector General. Those payments - some of which went to charity and the general state fund - were for speaking engagements and attendance at company meetings.

State and federal officials are examining the connection between the payments and the state's program.

Detailed article. Any appearance of corruption is merely a coincidence. yeh, right.