Camelia Revels, Conspiring to Steal Federal Funds, Georgia 2015

Camelia Revels, a former case manager at HOPE Atlanta, and Katrise Jones, a property agent, have pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal approximately $124,000 in federal funds intended to help homeless veterans in Georgia.

The scheme, which lasted from October 2013 to November 2015, involved Revels and Jones working together to embezzle funds from the Supportive Services for Veterans program (SSVF), a program designed to assist homeless veterans.

As part of their scheme, Revels, who was responsible for confirming a veteran's eligibility to participate in the SSVF program, would provide the name of a vendor, controlled by Jones, to her supervisor. Jones would then act as a 'property agent' to assist veterans in finding suitable housing, but instead of using the rental property as the payee, Revels would list one of Jones's companies.

The investigation revealed that Revels and Jones opened a joint bank account in the name of Strategic Consultants, one of Jones's companies, to deposit the stolen SSVF funds. The scheme lasted until November 2015 when HOPE Atlanta learned that Revels had continued to work with Jones and that Jones's companies had continued to receive SSVF funds that were not being used for their intended purpose.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine stated, 'The defendants betrayed the trust of veterans who came to them for help. The victims are men and women who sacrificed for their country and deserve more than being taken advantage of for personal greed.'

David Spilker, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG), added, 'VA OIG's continued oversight of VA's grant programs, which are used to provide housing for at-risk homeless veterans, is one of the agency's highest priorities because it safeguards the integrity of VA's programs designed to end veteran homelessness.'

Revels and Jones's actions have left a trail of destruction for homeless veterans and their families, who were in dire need of assistance. Their actions are a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in government programs.

Defendant Information:

Defendant: Camelia Revels

Criminal Charges: Conspiring to Steal Federal Funds

City and State: Atlanta, Georgia

Exact Date: October 2013 to November 2015 (scheme duration)

Sentence or Outcome: Pleaded guilty, awaiting sentencing

Dollar Amounts: Approximately $124,000

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/case-manager-and-property-agent-plead-guilty-stealing-federal-funds-designated-help