What did the former Midtown Redevelopment Authority manager admit to?

The former manager admitted to stealing public funds meant for affordable housing, pleading guilty to money laundering and theft.

How much money was stolen from Houston's affordable housing programs?

Over $8.5 million was stolen or misused from 2011 to 2021.

What were the stolen funds used for in Houston?

The stolen funds were used for personal luxuries such as flashy cars, nice houses, trips, and pornography, rather than affordable housing.

Home / Crime and Justice / Houston Housing Funds Misused for Lavish Lifestyles

Houston Housing Funds Misused for Lavish Lifestyles

9 Apr

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Summary

Former manager admitted to taking public funds meant for affordable housing.
Over $8.5 million stolen or misused from 2011 to 2021.
Funds were used for luxury items and personal benefit instead of housing.

Houston Housing Funds Misused for Lavish Lifestyles

Todd Edwards, former real estate manager for Houston's Midtown Redevelopment Authority, pleaded guilty to money laundering and theft. He admitted to diverting public funds designated for affordable housing in Third Ward for personal enrichment. An investigation revealed Edwards created a landscaping company to pay himself for nonexistent work.

Approximately $8.5 million was stolen or misused from 2011 to 2021. The misappropriated funds were used for expensive cars, homes, trips, and pornography. Two other individuals, Veronica Ugorji and Kenneth Jones, have also been charged. Ugorji allegedly owned a landscaping company and had a romantic relationship with Edwards, while Jones is accused of accepting money for demolition work that never occurred. Edwards' sentencing is scheduled for June, with potential penalties ranging from probation to 40 years in prison.

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