Lake Providence Woman Admits Stealing $5K in HUD Funds

MONROE, La. – Stephanie R. Threats, 46, of Lake Providence, Louisiana, has confessed to a calculated scheme to siphon federal funds intended for the elderly and vulnerable. Threats pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of conspiracy to commit federal program theft, admitting she pilfered over $5,000 from a vital housing program.

According to court documents, Threats worked for an elderly housing apartment company based in Oak Grove, Louisiana. This company received funding through Section 202 of the Federal Housing Program, administered by the Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Threats exploited this system between July 2009 and July 2012, using her position to manufacture false invoices.

These weren’t simple errors; Threats deliberately created invoices for work that never happened, billing the HUD program as if improvements and services had been rendered to benefit the apartment complex and its residents. She systematically pocketed the fraudulently obtained funds, a betrayal of trust aimed at those most in need.

Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook didn’t mince words, announcing the guilty plea as a victory for accountability. Threats now faces a grim reality: up to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. A hefty fine of up to $250,000 also looms over her.

U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. has scheduled sentencing for September 27, 2017. The investigation was spearheaded by the Office of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, revealing the depth of the corruption. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case, ensuring Threats answers for her crimes.

This case serves as a stark reminder that those who prey on federal programs designed to help the most vulnerable will be brought to justice. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing.