Who knew affordable housing was so darn pricey?
A former Hialeah Housing Authority employee accused of ripping off residential hopefuls was sentenced yesterday to 90 days in jail, a year of community service, and one year of probation.
A two-month operation by Hialeah PD's professional compliance unit found that Samuel Fernandez was soliciting money from among the over 2,000 people on the waiting list for affordable housing. Fernandez, 36, was promising to move renters up the list for a little cash on the side -- or a lot: detectives used marked bills to prove he'd ripped off one victim for $1,300.
The tipster that started the investigation reported that Fernandez had asked him for $1,000. Police aren't sure if there were other victims -- and with 2,165 people on the waiting list and hundreds having lined up to join when the list was opened in July, what are the odds anyone will come forward if in fact they succeeded in paying their way into one of Hialeah's 2,500 units?
Considering HHA's track record, perhaps the option will remain available to those who like the fast track. In 2008, employees Delma Mercado and Anacelis Bencomo were arrested for having altered rent checks and pocketing the difference, around $14,000. And long-time director Alex Morales has stepped down amid an investigation into "irregularities" in his contract.
For everyone else, well, it might be a while. But at least you'll keep your savings.
