A growing controversy surrounding a multi-million-dollar New York State nonprofit is intensifying after new revelations and a radio interview raised fresh concerns about oversight and accountability.
The story was first broken by South Shore Press columnist George Santos, whose reporting uncovered troubling financial irregularities at Buffalo’s Seneca Babcock Community Association.
Public records reviewed by the South Shore Press indicated years of missing required nonprofit filings, including gaps in audited financial statements and IRS Form 990 tax returns.
The impact was immediate and dramatic.
Within 24 hours of the Santos and South Shore Press investigation becoming public, Executive Director Brian Pilarski resigned and the organization shut down operations.
Programs serving children, seniors, and working families were halted, and buildings were closed, sending shockwaves through the community.
South Shore Press columnist Stefan Mychajliw, appearing on “The Financial Guys” on NewsRadio 930 WBEN, called the situation “heartbreaking,” emphasizing the real-world consequences for vulnerable residents.
“This is devastating,” Mychajliw said. “This isn’t just paperwork. This is a daycare disappearing, seniors losing services, and families left scrambling.”
The controversy began gaining traction after a viral TikTok video alleged the nonprofit had failed to file required federal tax forms for years.
Further reporting revealed the organization had filed required financial disclosures with the New York State Attorney General’s office only twice since 2004.
Mychajliw questioned how what was initially described as “sloppy paperwork” could escalate so quickly into a complete shutdown.
“You don’t go from missed forms to ‘we have no money and we’re closing everything’ overnight,” he said. “That doesn’t pass the smell test.”
Mychajliw stated only a federal investigation could determine whether the collapse was due to mismanagement or potential fraud.
“The only way we get answers,” he said, “is if the feds step in.”