WACO, Texas – DeAdra Johnson, a 52-year-old woman from Austin, has been arrested on charges related to the alleged embezzlement of federal funds from the Killeen Housing Authority (KHA), where she served as the executive director.
Court documents reveal that Johnson is accused of misappropriating thousands of dollars intended for KHA programs, using them for personal expenses. The federal indictment details that the stolen funds were spent on personal vehicle downpayments, repairs, and loan payments; rent; utilities; furniture purchases; and a flight for personal travel.
The KHA, now defunct, was responsible for managing over 50 public housing units and administering programs to assist low-income families in obtaining affordable housing. It received substantial annual funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Johnson faces nine counts of theft of government property and one count of making a false statement. Each count of theft carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, while the false statement charge can lead to up to five years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas, along with Bertrand Nelson, the Special Agent in Charge for HUD’s Office of Inspector General’s Southcentral Region, and Doug Olson, the Acting Special Agent in Charge for the FBI San Antonio Division.