ATLANTA — Tracy Denise Jones, 61, a senior vice president at the Atlanta Housing Authority, has been charged with fraud for allegedly collecting housing assistance payments, pandemic relief funds, and obtaining a mortgage through false statements, federal prosecutors say.
Jones, who has overseen the Housing Choice Voucher Program since April 2017, was arraigned on Dec. 19 on charges including conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, wire fraud, and credit application fraud.
Federal authorities allege Jones used a false identity and shell business entities to collect more than $36,000 in Section 8 housing assistance for family members living in her own rental property. Employees are generally prohibited from receiving Section 8 payments for their own properties, and landlords typically cannot lease to relatives.
Prosecutors say Jones submitted falsified documents to admit relatives into the program and collected federal HUD payments on their behalf. She allegedly attempted to obstruct the investigation by submitting a false affidavit and persuading friends to provide fraudulent documents.
Jones is also accused of defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration’s COVID-19 relief programs, claiming her businesses were operational, had employees, and earned more than $56,000 in 2019, resulting in over $27,000 in PPP funds. She allegedly wrote appeals stating, “I am truly a[n] honest business owner” and highlighting her work serving low-income families.
Authorities further allege Jones committed mortgage fraud while refinancing a Section 8 rental property, falsely claiming it was her primary residence, not a rental property, and stating she owned no other real estate.
HUD officials expressed concern over the alleged scheme, emphasizing the risk to vulnerable communities relying on housing assistance. Federal prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed or if other individuals may face scrutiny.
Atlanta Housing has appointed Shannon Linsey as interim senior vice president of the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Linsey has been with the agency since 2014 and previously served as vice president of housing operations.
