CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – Cornell Bozier, the former Chairman of the Board of Commissioners at the Village of Hempstead Housing Authority (VHHA), was sentenced today to 10 years in prison by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack. Bozier was convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and three counts of federal program bribery following a jury trial in April 2019.
Bozier exploited his position to orchestrate a complex bid-rigging and kickback scheme, diverting nearly $1 million in federal funds intended for housing improvements for the low-income, disabled, and elderly residents of Hempstead. This corruption not only undermined public trust but also jeopardized the integrity of programs funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The scheme involved inflating bids for repair projects, subcontracting the work for a fraction of the cost, and then pocketing the difference. In one instance, the VHHA paid $273,900 for roof repairs that were only patched up for $23,000, with Bozier and his conspirators dividing the remaining funds, illustrating the depth of the fraudulent activities.
This sentence underscores the determination of law enforcement agencies to pursue and prosecute those who exploit their positions for personal gain, especially when such actions betray the trust of vulnerable communities.