Weekly Real Estate News
Summary
Two former Tamaya Housing officials are accused of using fake vendors to divert money from a HUD-funded tribal housing entity serving Santa Ana Pueblo.
Two sisters who worked for a federally funded tribal housing organization in New Mexico are accused of using fake vendors to divert housing money and recover much of it in cash, according to a federal indictment announced Thursday.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico said Sharilene Jeff, 51, and Sandra Jeff, 58, are charged in connection with alleged theft from Tamaya Housing Incorporated, the tribally designated housing entity serving Santa Ana Pueblo.
The charges are allegations. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The housing entity receives HUD block-grant funding
Tamaya Housing receives federal money through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Indian Housing Block Grant program to provide affordable housing for Pueblo members.
Prosecutors said Sharilene Jeff served as interim executive director and had access to the organization’s financial accounts and federal grant funds. Sandra Jeff served as office manager. Public records cited by prosecutors also identify Sandra Jeff as a former member of the New Mexico House of Representatives.
Prosecutors allege fake vendors and cash kickbacks
According to the indictment and statements described by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the sisters allegedly arranged payments to vendors for work that was not performed, with most of the money then returned to them in cash.
The case is significant for housing professionals because Indian Housing Block Grant funds support housing development, operation and related needs in tribal communities. Alleged diversion of those dollars can directly reduce resources available for affordable housing.
Federal housing money carries compliance obligations
Housing authorities and federally funded nonprofit entities typically rely on procurement controls, vendor verification, segregation of financial duties and board oversight to protect program funds. The indictment does not establish that any particular control failure caused the alleged conduct, but the allegations underscore why those safeguards matter.
WRE News is not drawing conclusions beyond the government’s allegations. The federal case will determine whether prosecutors can prove the charges.
