A Mobile woman has been sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for stealing rent money intended for government-assisted low-income housing. Shannon Caruso, 48, admitted to exploiting her position as a property manager at two government housing authorities in the Mobile area. She convinced renters to make checks payable to her or leave the payee line blank and then used the funds for personal gain.

U.S. District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer described Caruso's actions as "utterly selfish," highlighting the impact on individuals already facing financial difficulties. The sentence of 14 months was at the high end of the advisory guidelines.

Special Agent-in-Charge Jerome Winkle from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, stated that Caruso exploited vulnerable elderly and low-income individuals by redirecting their rent payments into her account. He emphasized HUD OIG's commitment to holding accountable those who prey on community members.

Sean P. Costello, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, condemned Caruso's actions as a "particularly egregious" crime against vulnerable victims and affirmed ongoing efforts with law enforcement partners to hold such offenders accountable.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Birmingham Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tandice Blackwood prosecuted on behalf of the United States.