Sherrie Williams, Theft of Government Property, Pennsylvania 2011

Pittsburgh Woman Caught in Multi-State Housing Scam

A Pittsburgh woman, Sherrie Williams, 65, has been sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution of $10,513.80 for her conviction of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

According to information presented to the court, Williams fraudulently received federal housing subsidies totaling $10,513.80 during the period from March 2009 through May 2011. During this time, Williams was the tenant of record at a federally subsidized apartment located in Staten Island, New York, and received rent subsidies for this apartment. However, throughout this same period, Williams was living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in other federally subsidized housing.

The sentencing was handed down by Senior United States District Court Judge Gustave Diamond. Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and the New York City Housing Authority, Office of Inspector General, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Williams.

The investigation showed that Williams committed a brazen scam, collecting government benefits for two different apartments, one in Pittsburgh and one in Staten Island. This case highlights the importance of vigilance in government programs and the need for accountability in the use of taxpayer dollars.

Williams’ sentence is a reminder that those who commit crimes to line their own pockets will be held accountable. The people of Western Pennsylvania deserve to know that their government is working to protect their interests and prevent such abuses of public trust.

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