FORMER SECTION 8 LANDLORD PLEADS GUILTY TO THEFT
JEFFERSON THOMPSON, 71, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, pled guilty today in federal court before U. S. District Judge Helen G. Berrigan to a one-count bill of information charging theft of government funds, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to the factual basis, in late 2005, the Jefferson Parish Housing Authority assigned to THOMPSON a tenant whose rent was subsidized with funds from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. THOMPSON executed a contract that prohibited him from receiving any other federal, state, or local funds to pay for the tenant’s rent. Approximately nine months later, THOMPSON raised the tenant’s monthly lease amount. After being informed the tenant could not afford the newly increased rent, THOMPSON went to a FEMA Disaster Relief Assistance Center and applied for funds on his tenant’s behalf. Upon approval, THOMPSON began receiving FEMA funds in addition to the funds from the Jefferson Parish Housing Authority, which was in direct violation of the rules and regulations governing Section 8 landlords. THOMPSON admitted today that he unlawfully received approximately $13,770.00.
THOMPSON faces a maximum possible sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three (3) years supervised release. Sentencing has been scheduled for August 3, 2011.
The case was being investigated by agents from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Matt Chester.
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