CrimeOhio

Former housing authority director pleads guilty to stealing thousands in federal aid for low-income families

Clermont, Ohio – Timothy Holland, the former executive director of the Clermont Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), has pleaded guilty to federal program theft in U.S. District Court last week. Holland, 57, of Williamsburg, Ohio, admitted to stealing tens of thousands of dollars that were intended to assist low-income residents in Clermont County, Ohio. His fraudulent actions jeopardized housing assistance programs designed to help vulnerable communities in the area.

Years of Misuse of CMHA Funds

From 2012 to 2019, Holland served as the executive director of CMHA, which is a public housing authority recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The agency received over $5.9 million in annual federal funds in 2018 and 2019 to operate public housing units and provide assistance to low-income families.

However, court documents reveal that between 2016 and 2019, Holland misused at least $86,929 of these funds. His fraudulent activities ranged from personal shopping sprees to unauthorized trips using CMHA resources. For instance, in 2018, Holland charged over $9,500 in personal purchases to the CMHA credit card at retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, LL Bean, and Sirius Radio. The following year, he spent more than $25,000 on additional personal retail items.

Holland also abused the CMHA vehicle, using it for personal trips to Canada while charging fuel and hotel expenses to the agency’s credit card. Furthermore, he paid contractors with CMHA funds to perform work on his own home and used the organization’s money to furnish an office meant for CMHA’s nonprofit division. This fraudulent office setup, dubbed his “man cave,” included high-end furnishings, a $900 game table from Amazon, a 65-inch TV, and other luxury items.

Impact on Vulnerable Communities

Holland’s actions had a detrimental impact on the CMHA’s ability to provide necessary housing assistance to those most in need. Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Rice of HUD’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) emphasized how Holland’s “selfish and fraudulent actions not only put vital federal programs at risk, but also jeopardized the availability of HUD-assisted housing for the most vulnerable communities.” Rice reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement partners to hold those accountable who abuse HUD-funded programs.

Legal Consequences and Restitution

As part of his guilty plea, Holland has agreed to pay nearly $87,000 in restitution to CMHA for the funds he misused. His plea agreement also includes a recommended prison sentence of between three months and one year. Holland’s sentence will be determined by the court, with U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland presiding over the case.

Kenneth L. Parker, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, alongside HUD Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Rice, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, and Ohio Auditor Keith Faber, announced Holland’s guilty plea. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ebunoluwa A. Taiwo.

Holland’s conviction serves as a warning to those who exploit federal programs, especially those designed to assist disadvantaged populations. Federal agencies remain committed to ensuring that public funds are used appropriately and that those who attempt to defraud these programs are held accountable for their actions.

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