Former Dunn housing director sentenced to two years in prison

A former executive director of the Dunn Housing Authority faces two years in federal prison and must repay $238,448 to the federal government after sentencing this week on a charge of conspiring to commit federal program theft.

Debbie Norris Woodell, 64, will face three years of supervised release after her prison term, according to a news release Friday from US Attorney Ellis Boyle.

“In limited circumstances, HUD pays for citizen’s housing with taxpayers’ dollars,” Boyle said in the release. “Woodell stole those dollars, robbing both taxpayers and indigent recipients of America’s generosity. We will continue to hold greedy fraudsters accountable and ensure that criminals who exploit public programs face serious consequences. Cheaters. Never. Win.” 

In 2014, Woodell became executive director of DHA, “a federally funded agency that provides affordable housing to qualifying low‑income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities,” according to the news release.

“Between 2016 and 2021, Woodell exploited her position, working with others to steal more than $200,000 from DHA,” the news release explained. “As part of the scheme, she issued checks from DHA accounts to co‑conspirators for unapproved landscaping and maintenance work that they never … started.”

“She funneled most of the money back to her personal use,” the news release continued. “To carry out the fraud, she fabricated bid documents, created fake invoices, forged signatures, and provided false information to DHA’s board of commissioners. Woodell also misused DHA credit cards to make thousands of dollars in unauthorized personal purchases, including ATV gear and home renovations for her house. She concealed the theft by creating false receipts and altering DHA’s accounting records.”

“Debbie Woodell violated the trust placed in her, orchestrating multiple fraud schemes and compromising the federal procurement process by stealing more than $200,000 intended to support vulnerable members of the community,” said Jerome Winkle, special agent in charge of HUD’s Office of Inspector General. “Her actions were especially damaging given the limited resources available. HUD OIG will continue working with law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate and hold accountable those who misuse public funds for personal gain.”

“Former Dunn housing director sentenced to two years in prison” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.