Shannon T. Hanson Acting United States Attorney for the District of Delaware | U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware
Karen D. Wilder and Renwick L. Davis, both former employees of the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing (DIMH), pleaded guilty on August 8, 2025, to charges of theft of public funds. The case was heard by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Hall in Wilmington, Delaware.
According to court documents, between December 2021 and November 2023, Wilder—who served as Executive Director—and Davis—a Case Manager—embezzled about $600,000 from DIMH’s bank accounts using fraudulent methods. The stolen money included federal grant funds awarded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Treasury that were meant to support homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness in Delaware with emergency housing and medical assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Investigators found that Wilder withdrew cash from DIMH’s accounts under the pretense of providing emergency housing aid but instead deposited it into her own accounts. Together with Davis, she also funneled approximately $150,000 directly into Davis’s personal account under claims it would be used for rental or mortgage assistance for those in need. The funds were spent on luxury goods, shopping, travel, and even paying the mortgage on Wilder’s residence.
U.S. Attorney Julianne E. Murray stated: “The defendants abused the trust of their positions and stole taxpayer dollars intended to provide essential services to Delaware’s most vulnerable citizens. The defendants’ greed deprived homeless individuals across southern Delaware of assistance they desperately needed. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect taxpayer dollars and hold fraudsters who exploit government aid for personal gain accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice from HUD’s Office of Inspector General commented: “Wilder and Davis exploited their positions of trust to divert public funds away from the very individuals and families most in need,” adding that HUD OIG will continue collaborating with law enforcement partners to safeguard taxpayer money.
FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno said: “For years, Karen Wilder and Renwick Davis lived large on the taxpayer’s dime. Not only did they steal hundreds of thousands of dollars, but they prevented those who truly needed these resources from receiving help intended for them. As their guilty pleas show, the FBI and our partners will not tolerate corruption. We remain committed to identifying and pursuing those who violate the public’s trust.”
The investigation was conducted jointly by HUD-OIG and FBI Baltimore Field Office’s Wilmington Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William E. LaRosa is prosecuting the case.
Further information can be found at the website for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Delaware as well as through PACER or by searching related court records at Case Nos. 25-CR-93 and 25-CR-94.
