HAMMOND, IN – A lucrative renovation deal for two Gary public housing projects turned sour, allegedly fueled by counterfeit financial instruments, according to a federal indictment unsealed today. Ashley D. Dunlap, 54, of East Chicago, Indiana, stands accused of attempting to defraud the Gary Housing Authority (GHA) with bogus cashier’s checks.
Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced the indictment charging Dunlap with two counts of uttering a counterfeit security. The charges stem from a $347,500 contract Dunlap’s construction company secured in July 2013 to renovate the Delaney and Dorie Miller public housing projects – a project funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
To win the bid, Dunlap was required to provide a surety – a financial guarantee that the work would be completed. Instead of legitimate funds, the indictment alleges Dunlap presented two counterfeit Chase Bank cashier’s checks totaling $69,600 ($20,000 and $49,600) to the GHA around September 3, 2013, representing a supposed 20% cash escrow. The scheme, if proven, would have allowed Dunlap to begin work without backing up the financial commitment.
The GHA, responsible for providing safe and affordable housing to vulnerable residents, was the target of this alleged deception. While the indictment doesn’t detail if the renovations were ever completed, the use of fraudulent documents raises serious questions about the integrity of the bidding process and the potential misuse of federal funds.
Federal prosecutors are quick to emphasize that this indictment is not a conviction. “An Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court,” a statement from the United States Attorney’s office reads. If found guilty, sentencing will be determined by a judge, taking into account federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
The investigation was spearheaded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Lerner and Abizer Zanzi are handling the prosecution. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops, digging deeper into the details of this alleged scheme and the impact on the residents of Gary’s public housing.
Related Federal Cases
- Wilshinsky Accused of Million-Dollar Stock Scam · Indiana
- Fake Visa Lawyer Busted in $750,000 Scam · Indiana
- Jasper Accountant Accused of $98K Non-Profit Heist · Indiana
- Softball Scam: Portage Woman Gets Prison for $29K Fraud · Indiana
- Derecho Disaster: Contractor Adkins Gets 4 Years for Fraud · Illinois
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
