Former Springfield Housing Authority Clerk Charged with Embezzling $168,000 in Government Funds

Springfield, IL- A federal grand jury today returned an indictment charging a former employee of the Springfield Housing Authority with embezzlement of government funds. The United States Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, Rodger A. Heaton, announced that Rebecca Lynn Sargeant, age 48, of Springfield, Illinois, has been charged with taking approximately $168,000 in federal funds.

According to the indictment, Sargeant was employed as an account receivable clerk in the Springfield Housing Authority's Section Eight Housing Division from August 2003 to September 2006. "Section Eight," as it is commonly known, provides federal money for housing assistance to low income individuals.

In her position at the housing authority, Sargeant had the ability to write checks from a Section Eight Voucher Program bank account. The indictment alleges that during the period from December 2004 through September 8, 2006, Sargeant wrote checks to herself totaling approximately $168,000.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in cooperation with the Springfield Housing Authority and the Office of Inspector General for Housing and Urban Development. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore.

A summons will be issued for Sargeant to appear in federal court in Springfield at a date to be determined by the U.S. Clerk of the Court.

If convicted, the offense is punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.