LAKE CHARLES, La. - United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a former executive director of the Fenton housing authority pleaded guilty January 8, 2019 to embezzling more than $33,000.
Gwen Jackson, 35, of Fenton, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to one count of federal program fraud. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the guilty plea, Jackson embezzled $33,194.76 from March 31, 2017 to Sept. 20, 2017 while she was executive director of the Fenton Housing Authority. Jackson was hired as executive director in February of 2017 and was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the housing authority complex, which included access to business checks and the accounting ledger. After receiving complaints about possible theft of funds, law enforcement agents interviewed Jackson and she confessed to fraudulently cashing numerous FHA checks for her personal benefit.
Jackson faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for May 9, 2019.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamilla A. Bynog is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
