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Selene Varela, a 41-year-old Amarillo woman, embezzled thousands of dollars from a federal program intended to provide relief during the COVID pandemic. Varela, who worked for the City of Amarillo in the Community Development Department, pleaded guilty on May 11, 2026, to a felony information charging Theft Concerning a Program Receiving Federal Funds. The scheme involved creating fictitious applications for funding, including one instance where Varela fraudulently applied to have her own rent paid for six months, totaling $6,600.
Varela’s role in the city’s Community Development Department gave her access to the intake process for homeless or soon-to-be homeless individuals who needed financial assistance to maintain housing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government funded these initiatives through the CARES Act. Varela abused this position of trust to line her own pockets, exploiting the program for personal gain.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigated the case, with Acting Special Agent in Charge Aaron McCullough stating that Varela’s actions were a clear abuse of public trust. U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould also condemned Varela’s actions, encouraging the public to report any corruption or wrongdoing by public officials.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Public Corruption
- Defendant: Texas
- Location: TX
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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