FRESNO, Calif. — Aryca Danieyelle Williams, 38, has been hit with serious charges after pleading guilty to two counts of extortion under color of official right, as announced by U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.
Williams, a former Housing Program Coordinator at the Fresno Housing Authority from 2007 through 2013, is accused of exploiting her position to solicit bribes from applicants seeking federal housing benefits. The scheme involved manipulating the lottery system for Section 8 housing choice voucher programs, allowing unqualified applicants to bypass the process and receive immediate benefits.
According to court documents, Williams accepted payments ranging from $10 to $1,150, which she used for personal gain, including rent and utilities. Her actions affected at least 10 to 12 applicants who were not otherwise eligible but were awarded benefits through her illegal practices.
This case has been a result of an extensive investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant United States Attorney Grant Rabenn handling the prosecution.
Scheduled for sentencing on June 19, 2017, Williams faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count. The actual sentence will be determined by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd after considering all applicable factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Williams’ actions have cast a shadow over the Fresno Housing Authority and highlighted the need for stricter oversight of public officials tasked with administering critical social services.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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