UNITED STATES ATTORNEY ALICE H. MARTIN NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			CONTACT: KAREN NARAMORE
	APRIL 23, 2009			PHONE: (205) 244-2001
	www.usdoj.gov/usao/aln			FAX: (205) 244-2171

BIRMINGHAM WOMAN  CHARGED WITH
THEFT FROM FEDERAL HOUSING PROGRAM

            BIRMINGHAM, AL - TERESA D. JONES, 51, of Birmingham, was arraigned today in U.S. District Court in Birmingham.  JONES was charged in a six-count indictment last month by a federal grand jury.  United States Attorney Alice H. Martin and Special Agent In Charge, Michael V. Powell, of the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Housing and Urban Development announce the arraignment today. The indictment charged JONES with  Theft of Government Property and Making False Statements.

            Count one charged theft of government property from January 1, 2006, to May 30, 2008.  It charges that from January 1, 2006, through May 30, 2008, JONES received subsidies and assistance from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Counts two through five charged JONES with making false statements to a government agency.  JONES submitted several forms in 2006 and 2007 in which she claimed that she was not employed and did not earn any income.  JONES obtained over $23,000 in government subsidies, which she would not have received had she accurately reported her true income and employment status.

            The maximum sentence for count one is not more than 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.  The maximum sentence for counts two through five is not more than 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.  Count six specifies a forfeiture amount of $23,180.00.

            U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin stated, “Theft of government property does harm to all citizens and is taken seriously by this office. In this time of economic stress, it is particularly important to insure that federal housing program funds are protected from theft and false claims. We will vigorously prosecute those who seek to defraud such programs.”
             Kenneth M. Donohue, Inspector General for the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General stated, “HUD's Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring taxpayers' dollars are put to good use and HUD programs are free from waste, fraud and abuse. This joint enforcement effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and HUD’s Office of Inspector General has helped send a strong message that those who seek to unlawfully profit by defrauding programs within HUD will be vigorously prosecuted.”

            Special agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Carney is prosecuting the matter on behalf of the United States.

            Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

###