Press Releases
FORMER HANO OFFICIAL CHARGED WITH THEFT OF FUNDS FROM HANO’S SECTION-8 HOUSING PROGRAM
October 15, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DWAYNE D. MUHAMMAD, age 37, a resident of New Orleans, was charged in a one-count bill of information for theft of federal funds from the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO), a program that receives federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to the bill, from approximately January, 2007 and continuing to August 28, 2009, MUHAMMAD lived at 4739 Western Street, New Orleans, LA, a residence that was receiving a Section-8 voucher of approximately $1,400 a month. During this time period, MUHAMMAD was an agent of HANO working specifically in the Section 8 voucher program, and from November of 2007 through August 28, 2009, served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The bill of information alleges that dring his tenure as COO, he made an average salary of over $100,000. It is further alleged that while he lived at 4739 Western Street, his salary exceeded the income eligibility limits for a Section 8 subsidy, It is further alleged MUHAMMAD improperly lived at this residence and failed to disclose this fact to HANO officials. According to the bill, the total loss to the government is $45,318.
If convicted, DWAYNE D. MUHAMMAD faces a possible maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000.00 and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Speaking to today’s charges, HUD Inspector General Ken Donohue stated:
“Crimes involving the misappropriation of tax monies meant to provide safe, decent and affordable housing is a serious matter and will be vigorously pursued by the HUD Office of Inspector General in every instance.”
U. S. Attorney Letten reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by Special Agents of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Matthew M. Coman and Sharan E. Lieberman.
(Download Bill of Information 
)
