The officer is alleged to have used a work credit card for $35,000 in personal purchases
A former officer at a housing authority in Georgia has been charged with one count of federal program theft, according to the US Attorney’s Office Northern District of Georgia.
Erica Morris worked for the Covington Housing Authority (CHA) from January 2006 to Sept. 30, 2016, ultimately serving as administrative manager. Because of that role, Morris was issued a merchant credit card for work-related purchases.
Morris is now facing allegations that she used the merchant credit card for over 60 unauthorized personal purchases from about June 2015 to May 2016 for a total of $35,000 in purchases. Morris allegedly used the credit card to purchase Visa gift cards worth thousands of dollars which she used to pay for various personal living expenses. It was also alleged that Morris purchased a cellular telephone for a family member using her access to CHA’s telephone account.
“Morris abused her position with Covington Housing Authority by ringing up more than $35,000 in personal charges,” said US Attorney John Horn. “In effect, Morris diverted money earmarked for the low-income families for which the Covington Housing Authority provides housing into her own pocket.”
“The actions taken today should serve as a strong notice of our continuing commitment to root out all forms of fraud, especially as it relates to federal housing resources directed to assist less fortunate American families,” said Nadine Gurley, special agent in charge with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. “We remain steadfast in working with the US Department of Justice to pursue any unscrupulous individuals that may seek to use their position in order to gain an illegal personal benefit.”
It is expected that Morris will plead guilty to the charge following her arraignment.
Related stories:
Ex-director of HUD-accredited nonprofit pleads guilty to fraud
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Erica Morris worked for the Covington Housing Authority (CHA) from January 2006 to Sept. 30, 2016, ultimately serving as administrative manager. Because of that role, Morris was issued a merchant credit card for work-related purchases.
Morris is now facing allegations that she used the merchant credit card for over 60 unauthorized personal purchases from about June 2015 to May 2016 for a total of $35,000 in purchases. Morris allegedly used the credit card to purchase Visa gift cards worth thousands of dollars which she used to pay for various personal living expenses. It was also alleged that Morris purchased a cellular telephone for a family member using her access to CHA’s telephone account.
“Morris abused her position with Covington Housing Authority by ringing up more than $35,000 in personal charges,” said US Attorney John Horn. “In effect, Morris diverted money earmarked for the low-income families for which the Covington Housing Authority provides housing into her own pocket.”
“The actions taken today should serve as a strong notice of our continuing commitment to root out all forms of fraud, especially as it relates to federal housing resources directed to assist less fortunate American families,” said Nadine Gurley, special agent in charge with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. “We remain steadfast in working with the US Department of Justice to pursue any unscrupulous individuals that may seek to use their position in order to gain an illegal personal benefit.”
It is expected that Morris will plead guilty to the charge following her arraignment.
Related stories:
Ex-director of HUD-accredited nonprofit pleads guilty to fraud
Embezzlement of HUD funds puts former housing authority exec on probation
