FORMER MANAGER OF SAN BENITO HOUSING AUTHORITY PLEADS GUILTY TO EMBEZZLING MORE THAN $270,000

November 29, 2006

FORMER MANAGER OF PALMVILLE DEVELOPMENT IN SAN BENITO PLEADS GUILTY TO EMBEZZLING MORE THAN $270,000

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Dora Nohemi Perez, 37, of San Benito, Texas, was convicted of embezzling more than $270,000 from the Housing Authority of the City of San Benito, U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today.

The conviction followed Perez’s guilty plea to the federal felony offense entered on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006. U.S. District Judge Hilda G. Tagle, who accepted Perez’s plea and found her guilty of the offense, set sentencing for Feb. 26, 2007. At sentencing Perez faces a maximum prison term of 10 years and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, as part of her agreement with the United States, Perez will be obligated to pay restitution in full.

During yesterday’s re-arraignment hearing, the United States told the court it was prepared to present evidence to prove that beginning in May 1998 through February 2006, Perez stole and embezzled approximately $273,591 in the form of cash and money orders from the rent payments made by tenants and converted the money for her own personal use. The money belonged to the Housing Authority of the City of San Benito, which received federal assistance to provide low-rent, contract and subsidy and other forms of federal assistance to low income families and the elderly

JK: (WIA federal assistance??).

During the relevant period, Perez was the manager of the Palmville Development of the Housing Authority of the City of San Benito.

Perez has been permitted to remain free on bond pending her sentencing hearing in February.

The case was investigated by the FBI and Office of Inspector General of the Housing and Urban Development. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Esquivel.