Mitchell James, a landlord and business owner in northern Michigan, has been successfully prosecuted for defrauding the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance program. After a two-year investigation, he was found guilty of submitting multiple fraudulent applications and sentenced to jail time, community service, and ordered to pay full restitution of approximately $158,000. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) worked in cooperation with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute James, emphasizing their commitment to protecting federal funds and holding fraudulent individuals accountable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MSHDA processed over 300,000 CERA applications, providing nearly $1 billion in aid to Michigan families. The CERA program is now closed to new applicants. MSHDA’s Fraud Investigation Division highlights the importance of law enforcement partnerships in safeguarding program funds for those truly in need of assistance. They encourage anyone who suspects fraud, waste, or abuse of MSHDA programs to report it. This case serves as an example of the dedication of state and local law enforcement in ensuring the integrity of housing assistance programs and holding fraudsters accountable.
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