Former Killeen Housing Authority Executive Director Arrested on Federal Embezzlement Charges

WACO, Texas – An Austin woman was arrested this week on criminal charges related to her alleged embezzlement of federal funds for personal use while serving as the executive director of the Killeen Housing Authority (KHA).

According to court documents, DeAdra Johnson, 52, allegedly stole thousands of dollars designated for KHA programs and used them for personal use. A federal indictment alleges that Johnson used the stolen funds to pay for personal vehicle downpayments; vehicle repairs and loan payments; monthly rent; electricity and internet service bills; home furniture purchases; and the purchase of a flight for personal travel.

Now defunct, KHA managed more than 50 public housing residential units and administered housing programs enabling low-income families to lease or purchase safe and affordable housing. KHA had an annual contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from which it received several hundred thousand dollars annually in assistance from the federal government.

Johnson is charged with nine counts of theft of government property and one count of false statement. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison for each theft of government property charge and up to five years for the false statement charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas, Special Agent in Charge Bertrand Nelson for the Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) Southcentral Region and Acting Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson for the FBI San Antonio Division made the announcement.

HUD OIG and the FBI are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Greg Gloff and Siddharth Dadhich are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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