No Money for Girl X

Even in an era where horrific violence seems an everyday occurrence, last year's story of Girl X, the nine-year-old who was found raped, beaten and poisoned in a stairwell of Chicago's notorious Cabrini-Green housing project, seemed especially affecting. About the only bright note was the speed at which contributions, many as little as $5 or $10, poured in to help.

Now one of the principal fund raisers, Beverly Reed, an unemployed single mother of five, finds herself the target of the Illinois attorney general's office over her handling of $310,000 she collected on the girl's behalf. According to depositions taken in connection with the investigation, Reed spent more than $50,000 for personal use, including rent, utility bills, a computer, babysitters for her children and payments to friends and family. Authorities contend that only about $1,400 has gone to Girl X or her family. The girl, who is blind, cannot speak and uses a wheelchair, lives in a state-run residence; Medicaid covers most of the cost of her care.

Reed, who denies any illegal conduct, told TIME that payments to the girl were limited so as not to jeopardize her eligibility for public aid. "I may not have done everything properly," she said, "but I did the best I could. I am not an attorney or an accountant." Meanwhile, a separate $343,000 fund set up by WGCI Radio has been administered correctly.