Former Property Manager Pleads Guilty to Theft from Federally Subsidized Housing Complexes

According to court documents and statements made in court, Gardner was employed by Garden Homes Management Corporation with responsibilities that included managing the Salem Village I and II housing complexes in Brooklyn, Connecticut, and the St. Mary’s housing complex in East Hartford.  The housing complexes principally catered to elderly and disabled citizens receiving federal rental subsidies from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  Between approximately 2009 and 2018, Gardner diverted rental payments and other tenant fees to a separate account she had set up for cable fees, and then diverted those payments to pay more than $400,000 in personal expenses.  Gardner also overcharged tenants a total of more than $60,000 for cable expenses, which increased the amount of money available to be diverted.  In addition, the government will present evidence at sentencing that Gardner embezzled more than $150,000 in rental payments paid by St. Mary’s tenants.

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Gardner faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Gardner is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.