Thomas B. Hoffman, a former employee of the Palatka Housing Authority (PHA), has been sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for theft of federal funds. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt. In addition to the prison term, Hoffman must forfeit $155,706—the proceeds from his offense—and pay restitution to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
Court documents show that Hoffman worked at PHA, which receives federal funding from HUD to manage public housing programs in Palatka and nearby areas. His responsibilities included information technology and accounts payable.
An audit conducted in 2025 uncovered an unapproved vendor named “Data Max,” which had received 48 payments from PHA’s general account between July 2023 and February 2025 totaling $155,706. Investigators determined that Hoffman owned Data Max and its bank account, and he had orchestrated the fraudulent payments himself. Surveillance footage showed him cashing checks issued to Data Max on several occasions, with evidence indicating he used the money for personal benefit.
“Thomas Hoffman’s selfish actions caused harm to multiple potential victims. He engaged in a multi-faceted fraud scheme by stealing over $155,000 in federal funds that were intended to provide housing for vulnerable community members,” said Special Agent in Charge Jerome Winkle with HUD’s Office of Inspector General (OIG). “He not only violated the public trust to oversee federal funds but also took away housing opportunities from our most vulnerable community members and job opportunities for other legitimate business owners. HUD OIG will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to diligently pursue and hold accountable individuals who take advantage of their positions of trust to defraud HUD programs and our low-income housing communities.”
The investigation was conducted by HUD’s Office of Inspector General along with the Palatka Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian prosecuted the case, while Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko handled forfeiture proceedings.
