Bronx da indicts former nycha worker in $20k housing scam targeting tenants

A former public housing employee is accused of exploiting vulnerable New Yorkers by selling fake access to apartments and housing vouchers.

Bronx, NY – A former New York City Housing Authority employee has been indicted on corruption charges for allegedly running a scheme that defrauded tenants and housing applicants out of more than $20,000, Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced Friday.

Jose Lopez Molina, 47, of Newington, Connecticut, was arraigned March 25 on multiple felony charges, including grand larceny, bribe receiving, scheme to defraud, forgery, and official misconduct.

Prosecutors allege Molina used his position at the Throggs Neck Houses to convince individuals he could secure Section 8 vouchers or priority housing placements in exchange for cash payments.

“This defendant allegedly used his position as a NYCHA employee to convince NYCHA tenants and other people to give him money in exchange for securing a Section 8 Voucher,” said District Attorney Clark. “As a result of this defendant’s greed, seven hard working New Yorkers were allegedly scammed out of more than $20,000.”

Alleged scheme involved fake vouchers and false promises

According to the investigation, the scheme took place between August 2023 and April 2025 and involved at least 15 victims, seven of whom are included in the charges.

Key Points

Former NYCHA employee indicted in alleged $20,000 housing scam
Prosecutors say victims were promised Section 8 vouchers and apartments
Scheme involved forged documents and false housing approvals

Authorities said Molina allegedly forged Section 8 vouchers and presented them as legitimate documents. In some cases, he provided victims with specific apartment addresses and told them they had been approved to move in, leading some to give up their current housing.

He is also accused of misleading NYCHA tenants into believing they could resolve back rent by paying him directly.

Officials warn public about housing-related scams

Acting Department of Investigation Commissioner Chris Ryan emphasized that NYCHA does not charge fees for housing applications or vouchers.

“NYCHA Housing Assistants have a responsibility to work closely and honestly with potential tenants to assist in finding a suitable unit to rent,” Ryan said. “Instead, as charged, this defendant used his access and position to accept thousands of dollars in bribes — taking advantage of vulnerable housing applicants and NYCHA residents to enrich himself.”

Ryan added, “If you receive a request for payment from anyone posing as NYCHA personnel, report it to DOI’s NYCHA Inspector General.”

The case is being prosecuted by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Bureau, with assistance from the Department of Investigation, federal agencies, and local law enforcement.

Prosecutors noted that the indictment is an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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