Former Director Of Low Income Energy Assistance Program Indicted

February 27, 2012

The former director of a program that helped low income families pay their utility bills has been indicted on federal charges.

Sandra L. Johnson, 43, of Pensacola, made her initial appearance in federal court Thursday on charges relating to a conspiracy to commit fraud. The federal indictment alleges that Johnson, the former director of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was involved in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud based upon actions she took in relation to her official duties.

LIHEAP is a program funded by the Community Action Program Committee, Inc. (CAPC). CAPC receives federal funds to aid those in the community with job training, education, health care, energy assistance, and more. In particular, LIHEAP guarantees payment of power bills to the Gulf Power Company for those who are eligible for the federal benefits due to low income.

During the course of the charged conspiracy, as outlined in the indictment, Johnson altered documents and signatures in order to get coverage for some questionable LIHEAP recipients, as well as for herself.

United States Magistrate Judge Charles J. Kahn, Jr., held the arraignment for Johnson Thursday, at which time she entered a plea of not guilty. A trial date of April 2, 2012, has been set before Senior United States District Judge Lacey A. Collier. If convicted, Johnson faces up to 30 years in prison. H

The indictment resulted from an investigation by the FBI and security personnel of the Gulf Power Company.

Comments

6 Responses to “Former Director Of Low Income Energy Assistance Program Indicted”

  1. Jane on February 28th, 2012 5:44 am

    So this is where our tax dollars go? I wonder how far up the chain the fraud and corruption go? All the way to Washington? No wonder we have a deficit in this country!

  2. pm on February 27th, 2012 11:02 pm

    What a wonderful example of a public spirited humanitarian. Give to them that got and let old folks freeze in winter and swelter in summer. It is too bad that SHAME has been lost. As for the people who think the justice system will “throw he book’ at this person, be assured they won’t. Probation with restitution will be ordered but never complied with and this case will fade into the sunset like so many others. This is what happens when society gives hand outs not hand ups.

  3. JIM W on February 27th, 2012 10:16 pm

    Just another person who turned scam artist. Taking from the very program designed to help the needy. I suppose her salary was not enough to support the lifestyle she wanted. Or could it just be greed? I think so. Throw the book at her and make her pay restitution! Cease evrything she has until they get what she took.
    Just saying free programs to help the needy getting raped once again by some scamer.

  4. David Huie Green on February 27th, 2012 5:15 pm

    If she did it, she probably felt she was entitled to the money. After all other people had money so why shouldn’t she? Those who don’t want her to have it are just being greedy.

    If these arguments sound silly, please consider how they also sound silly when applied to other disbursements of public funds other than for need.

    David for free money

  5. EMD on February 27th, 2012 4:38 pm

    It is wrong for anyone to steal, including the government. But they get away with it. They have stolen our citizens blind, making many in need of assistance. This is one way they are gaining total control. That seems to be their goal.

  6. JM on February 27th, 2012 7:43 am

    A program slotted to help the poor and she decided to just help herself,
    that’s deplorable. I hope she gets the whole 30 years since she decided
    to make us also pay for a trial. She should have pled guilty and asked
    if she could make restitution.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News