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Perry Johnson, 55, Admits to Defrauding Rural Housing Program
TOPEKA, KAN. – Perry Johnson, a 55-year-old property manager from Ozawkie, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to making a false statement on loan or credit applications, defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Program of approximately $1 million intended to help elderly and low-income residents with rental housing expenses.
According to court documents, Johnson worked as the regional manager of a company that managed 47 properties in Kansas between 2014 and 2017. He was responsible for each property’s budget and approval of contracts. Johnson ignored the USDA’s policy requiring all properties to submit Identity of Interest (IOI) disclosures concerning any personal relationships with vendors performing work on properties.
Johnson created approximately $1 million in vendor maintenance and repair invoices in the names of relatives and friends from which he financially benefited. He also created false worksheets claiming his son resided at three different rural housing apartments, although his son was never a tenant at any of those properties.
The USDA – Office of Inspector General investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney is prosecuting the case.
Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 21, 2023. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Johnson’s actions have left a trail of financial deceit, causing harm to the very people the rural housing program aimed to assist. His guilty plea serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in managing public funds.
The USDA Rural Development Program works with rental property owners to subsidize rent and maintenance repair expenses on behalf of low-income and elderly tenants. The program relies on the honesty and integrity of property managers like Johnson to ensure the program’s success.
Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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