PHILADELPHIA – The grim reaper of justice has swung into action against top officials in the Chester Housing Authority. Norman D. Wise, 58, Douglas E. Daniel, 65, and Leonard F. Coleman, 54, have been handed down sentences for their despicable acts of bribery and fraud.
Wise, once the Director of Public Housing at CHA, has been locked up for 37 months after pleading guilty to theft from an organization receiving federal funds and wire fraud. His assistant, Daniel, now faces 13 months in prison over charges including bribery concerning federal programs and aiding and abetting wire fraud. Coleman was sentenced to one week behind bars for his role in the scheme.
This nightmare began when Coleman, as a contractor, paid off Wise and Daniel to secure contracts with CHA. The duo then set up a fake contracting company to bilk the authority out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Their greed turned the mission of affordable housing into a shambles.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero called out their betrayal, stating that these officials had “lined their pockets at the expense of an agency tasked with providing affordable housing.” The FBI’s Wayne A. Jacobs echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that corruption will not be tolerated in the city. Special Agent Vicky Vazquez from HUD OIG also vowed to continue pursuing those who misuse federal funds.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the FBI and HUD OIG, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen leading the prosecution. This case serves as a stark reminder that justice will always catch up to those who abuse their power for personal gain.
Related Federal Cases
- Youngstown Heroin Ring Busted: 53 Face Charges · Pennsylvania
- Heroin Ring Busted: Eight Face Life in Pittsburgh · Pennsylvania
- Heroin Ring Busted: 10 Face Federal Charges · Washington
- Arts & Crafts Fraud: Medicare Hit for $200K · Pennsylvania
- Fake Robbery, Real Theft: 8 Months for CU Crook · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
