OXFORD – The trial for the executive director of the South Delta Regional Housing Authority, arrested on several charges including embezzling funds and witness intimidation, has been postponed until January. Fifty-seven-year old Ann Jefferson was arrested in August after being indicted by a federal grand jury and her trial was initially set for this month.
Jefferson, who lives in Leland, is accused of knowingly and willfully embezzling federal funds, witness tampering, obstruction of justice, making false statements to federal authorities in the course of an investigation, and witness intimidation. She appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Jane Virden in Greenville and was released on a bond posted in February for a prior arrest.
“This joint HUD-OIG/FBI investigation into the alleged misuse of government funds by these subjects is an excellent example of the effectiveness of collaboration between federal agencies,” stated FBI SAC Daniel McMullen. “I commend the hard work and dedication of all the HUD-OIG and FBI investigators during the course of this investigation.”
If convicted on all counts, Jefferson faces up to 95 years in prison and up to $2 million in fines. She could also be ordered to pay restitution to the victims of her crimes.
Also arrested and charged in the indictment is Jimmy Johnson, a contractor doing business with SDRHA. Johnson was charged with embezzlement of federal funds, witness tampering and making a false statement to federal authorities in the course of an investigation. He faces up to 35 years in prison and up to $750,000 in fines, if convicted.
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