Predators, phantom students and a train to nowhere — who’s minding America’s money?

If you think Washington has a spending problem, wait until you hear what people have been doing with your tax dollars.

On Friday’s Rush Hour with James Golden, I followed a trail of alleged fraud, government waste, and political absurdity that could make even a seasoned taxpayer reach for the aspirin.

We started in Polk County, Florida, where Sheriff Grady Judd announced 281 arrests in a seven-day undercover operation, including 31 arrests involving suspected child predators. One suspect was a former Disney character performer, and Judd’s description of the case was enough to make your skin crawl.

Then came Operation Ghostbusters. No, not the movie. Federal investigators are targeting an international student-aid fraud scheme involving fake enrollments, stolen identities, and taxpayer money allegedly diverted overseas. Apparently, some people have discovered that you don’t even need real students to collect student financial aid.

Minnesota supplied another jaw-dropper: a defendant in the massive pandemic food-program fraud scandal received a 30-year prison sentence. Money intended to feed hungry children helped finance luxury purchases instead. That’s quite a menu.

And California? The high-speed rail project continues to burn through billions while producing considerably more controversy than train service. Its chief executive stepped down amid renewed scrutiny of spending and management. At this rate, the train may reach its destination sometime after we colonize Mars.

We also revisited Alaska’s remarkable Senate ballot controversy, where Democratic operatives reportedly tried to recruit another candidate named Dan Sullivan. Even The View couldn’t entirely dismiss the tactic, although Joy Behar managed to bring Donald Trump into the conversation. Some traditions are apparently sacred.

And because we needed a little relief from all that political nonsense, producer Karolos and I had a spirited disagreement about Halloween candy. He doesn’t want to buy any for trick-or-treaters. I think the children deserve their candy. Apparently, this is where Western civilization now stands.

We even celebrated the birthday of jazz-funk trumpeter Tom Browne, whose Funkin’ for Jamaica brought back some wonderful memories of Queens.

Politics, predators, phantom students, runaway spending, and a Halloween candy dispute.

Just another day in America.

— Bo