Grand jury charges former Clermont housing official with federal program theft

CINCINNATI – The former executive director of the Clermont Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) was indicted for allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars intended to assist low-income residents of Clermont County, Ohio.

Timothy Holland, 56, of Williamsburg, Ohio, self-surrendered at U.S. District Court in Cincinnati today.

According to the indictment, Holland served from 2012 until 2019 as the executive director for CMHA, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recognized public housing authority for Clermont.

CMHA received more than $5.9 million in annual federal funds in both 2018 and 2019 to operate and maintain public housing units as well as provide housing assistance to low-income families and individuals. It is alleged Holland stole at least $70,440 from the agency for his personal use during those calendar years.

“Mr. Holland allegedly used his position to convert money for his personal gain that was intended to help low-income and elderly and disabled individuals,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Rice with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.  “HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with federal prosecutors and law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who engage in activities that threaten the integrity of HUD programs.”

Holland is charged with two counts of federal program theft, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Shawn Rice, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Mid-Atlantic Region; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Ohio Auditor Keith Faber announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Ebunoluwa A. Taiwo is representing the United States in this case.

An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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