CNN Justice Produce
WASHINGTON (CNN) - The community organizing group ACORN on Wednesday announced a hiring freeze, new training programs and an independent review of its programs after the recent release of a series of videotapes embarrassing to the agency.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/US/09/16/us.acorn/art.acorn.investigation.youtube.jpg caption="In the videos, the individuals seek advice on setting up a brothel with underage women from El Salvador."]
The videos, secretly taped by two individuals posing as a pimp and a prostitute, showed ACORN employees in four of the agency's offices suggesting or condoning a series of illicit actions as the couple sought advice on setting up a brothel with underage women from El Salvador.
"We have all been deeply disturbed by what we've seen in some of these videos," ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis said. "I must say on behalf of ACORN's board and our Advisory Council that we will go to whatever lengths necessary to re-establish the public trust."
The steps announced include an immediate halt in hiring for all ACORN offices, an immediate training program for all front-line staff and selection of an independent auditor by the end of this week. Watch Lewis address the scandal 