It has been the intention of my ex-husband and myself to provide clean, safe homes at the most affordable rent possible. In 2014 my ex-husband walked into Housing Authority, lease in hand, to discuss some tenant issues. It was at this time we discovered the rent on the lease did not match the rent on the HA contract. Apparently over the previous 13 years the rent had been raised without the correct paperwork being filed with HA. This was, admittedly, a mistake on our part. Obviously, if we were knowingly trying to cheat or defraud anybody, he would not have walked in to discuss the lease. Soon after, an investigation was begun.
The good tenants in question, who had previously been paying full rent, asked in 2001 if we would consider letting them use HA assistance. We agreed, and over the next 13 years this saved them tens of thousands of dollars. The rent that was charged was under what HA determines to be fair market rent, so the government was also not overcharged.
We have always tried to be honorable citizens in our community and so for any misunderstandings or mistakes that resulted in allegations of fraud, I sincerely apologize. As a follower of Jesus Christ I want to be above reproach and therefore am thankful that this issue of “fraud” was brought to our attention so it could be fixed. We also understood that fighting this case in court would cost more than paying the settlement amount, and with the feeling that the little guy can’t win against big government, we agreed to pay the settlement. We were never charged with a crime and there was never discussion of innocence or guilt.
While I would have appreciated the fine folks at HA helping us to fix our mistake rather than starting a fraud investigation, I do appreciate the work they do in their desire to also provide safe and affordable housing. Likewise I appreciate the work of the Justice Department, bringing this matter to our attention so it could be fixed.
Debrah Conrads
Lake Worth, Fla.
Editor’s note: As reported in the Journal, Oct. 7, according to a press release from the office of Bob Troyer, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado, the Conrads paid a $73,650 settlement after allegations that they charged low-income tenants excessive rent.
