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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Patrick Crosby

6/3/09 (404)581-6016

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/gan/ FAX (404)581-6160

FORMER CONYERS HOUSING AUTHORITY DIRECTOR PLEADS GUILTY

Defendant Stole Over $100,000 in HUD Money, Mostly for Her Personal Use

Atlanta, GA - KRISTI KIRKUS WILSON, 44, of Conyers, Georgia, pleaded guilty today in federal district court to theft of U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program funds from the Conyers Public Housing Authority.

“This defendant violated the trust placed in her by the public and stole over $130,000 of federal funds that were supposed to be used to help needy people obtain housing,” said United States Attorney David E. Nahmias. “She will now face the consequences of her dishonesty and greed.”

Kenneth M. Donohue, Inspector General for the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General said, “HUD's Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring HUD programs are free from fraud, waste, and abuse. This effort by the U.S. Attorney's Office and HUD's Office of Inspector General has helped send a strong message that those who defraud HUD programs face vigorous prosecution.”

According to United States Attorney Nahmias, and other information presented in court: Between 2000 and 2007, KRISTI KIRKUS WILSON, who was the Executive Director for the Conyers, Georgia, Public Housing Authority, embezzled more than $130,000 of housing authority funds that came through grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. WILSON misused Conyers Housing Authority credit cards for vacation expenses, personal meals, and personal items for her home, including a barn, perimeter fencing, outdoor Christmas decorations and a waterslide, as well as Christmas gifts and parties for housing authority employees. WILSON also approved and paid bonuses for herself and padded her and her husband's salaries.

WILSON was indicted in October 2008. She pleaded guilty today to one count of theft of program funds. WILSON could receive a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2009, at 10 a.m., before United States District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr.

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General for Criminal Investigations.

Assistant United States Attorney David Leta is prosecuting the case.

For further information please contact David E. Nahmias (pronounced NAH-me-us), United States Attorney, or Charysse L. Alexander, Executive Assistant United States Attorney, through Patrick Crosby, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Attorney's Office, at (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.usdoj.gov/usao/gan.