Former Killeen Housing Authority Executive Director Arrested for Alleged Embezzlement of Federal Funds

An Austin woman, DeAdra Johnson, 52, has been arrested this week on criminal charges related to the alleged embezzlement of federal funds. Johnson served as the executive director of the now defunct Killeen Housing Authority (KHA). Court documents reveal that she allegedly misappropriated thousands of dollars designated for KHA programs for personal use.

The federal indictment against Johnson alleges that she used the stolen funds for various personal expenses, including downpayments on a personal vehicle, vehicle repairs and loan payments, monthly rent, electricity and internet service bills, home furniture purchases, and a flight for personal travel.

KHA, which managed over 50 public housing residential units, administered housing programs to help low-income families access safe and affordable housing. The organization had an annual contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), receiving substantial assistance from the federal government.

DeAdra Johnson faces charges of nine counts of theft of government property and one count of false statement. If convicted, she could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for each theft of government property charge and up to five years for the false statement charge. The sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The announcement of the arrest and charges was made by U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas, along with Special Agent in Charge Bertrand Nelson for the Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) Southcentral Region and Acting Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson for the FBI San Antonio Division. The case is currently under investigation by HUD OIG and the FBI.