Basile housing money still not fully repaid, auditor notes

The legislative auditor’s recommendation that allegations of theft by the Basile Housing Authority executive director be considered for prosecution have apparently gone unheeded since December 2013, but she has repaid some of the alleged missing money and has been asked to resign.
An audit report issued in December 2013 found about $4,600 missing, money traced to Assistant Director Anisa Richardson, who took the top spot in October 2013 when Director Jane Richard retired.
Richard and the board told legislative Auditor Joe Purpera during that first audit that they wanted to give Richardson the opportunity to pay back the missing funds. Meanwhile, she became director.
“Although she denies taking any money, the assistance director agreed to sign a promissory note for the full amount missing in exchange for keeping her job.
“She would pay back the funds by June 30,2014,” the auditor said.
In a report issued Monday, the auditor noted the alleged misappropriated sum was $7,678 in tenant fees diverted by Richardson to her personal use.
“On June 3, 2014, we met with Ms. Richardson to discuss the misappropriated funds. In that meeting, Ms. Richardson stated that she took $6,400 in tenants’ money orders to pay for her personal expenses.
“In addition, she stated that she repaid between $500 and $600 of the misappropriated funds. A review of the bank records indicates that on February 11 and 13, 2013, Ms. Richardson made two cash deposits totaling $669.
“According to HAB receipts, five money orders totaling $669 were collected in December 2012, but not deposited. On June 19, 2013, after being confronted by board members about missing funds, she made another deposit of $100.
“Therefore, it appears that Mrs. Richardson has repaid $769 of the misappropriated funds, leaving a minimum balance owed to the HAB of $6,929.
“We recommend that the HAB Board seek restitution of the remaining misappropriated funds and reconcile, on a periodic basis, tenant receipts to the rent register and bank deposits.”
In early July, Authority chairwoman Brenda Ceaser said by letter to Purpera:
“After reviewing your report, the Board of Commissioners has decided to work closely with Housing Authority by being more involved.
“Supervision will be made more effectively and all work must be approved by a member of the Board of Commissioners before being turned in.
“Restitution has been made in the amount of $3,400, with an agreement to continue to pay until paid in full. In addition, she will be asked to resign from her position.”