Tracy Denise Jones, a former senior executive at Atlanta Housing, has pleaded guilty to multiple federal fraud charges, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
Jones entered a guilty plea on Feb. 2 to three counts after being accused of illegally collecting housing assistance payments and pandemic relief funds and obtaining a mortgage with falsified documents. Jones was arraigned on Dec. 19.
Federal prosecutors alleged that she used a false identity and shell business entities to fraudulently collect more than $36,000 in Section 8 housing assistance payments for family members living in her own rental property and improperly obtained over $27,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. She also obtained a $219,780 mortgage through false statements.
The court accepted Jones’ plea and allowed her to remain on bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for May 5.
“We take this matter seriously and respect the legal process,” Atlanta Housing said in an emailed statement. “Atlanta Housing had policies and internal controls in place designed to safeguard public resources. During the hearing it was established that safeguards were circumvented by the individual involved. Consistent with our policies and applicable law, Atlanta Housing has taken appropriate action and continues to strengthen its oversight and compliance practices. Our focus remains on serving residents, protecting program integrity, and maintaining public trust.”
Atlanta Housing in the largest housing authority in Georgia and one of the largest in the nation. The organization provides and facilitates affordable housing resources for nearly 27,000 low-income households through Atlanta Housing-owned residential communities, tenant-based and project-based vouchers, supportive housing, and down payment assistance.
Shannon Linsey was appointed interim senior vice president of the Housing Choice Voucher Program after Jones was charged. The program allows families to identify quality housing anywhere in Atlanta with the assurance that they will not pay more than 30 percent of their adjusted income toward rent.
Related stories:
• Decatur library patrons, employees ‘understandably shaken’ after shooting
• Atlanta City Council refers moratorium on Edgewood alcohol licenses back to committee