San Bernardino sweep cracks down on public housing fraud

HIGHLAND – Sheriff’s deputies arrested seven people in an effort to reduce public housing fraud. Search warrants were served at 10 apartments and homes throughout the city near San Bernardino.

Not divulging criminal records on housing applications is considered fraud, say authorities. Allowing others with felony convictions to live in those residences is another violation.

“Usually it’s a boyfriend, husband or son,” said Ron Hall, a San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy.

“We have zero tolerance for fraud,” said Housing Authority Executive Director Susan Benner. “We can’t have criminals on these properties.”

Officials say that tenants who defraud on applications leave others that would legally qualify for assistance on waiting lists. All seven suspects were arrested on suspicion of charges that include defrauding a public housing program and perjury.

San Bernardino County has 28,000 people, over two-thirds of which are seniors, children or disabled and waiting to receive housing assistance. Residents are asked to pay rent equivalent to 30 percent of their monthly income. Government housing subsidizes the remaining portion of the rent.

During the sweep, sheriff’s officers also discovered several individuals on parole or probation violations. They were either arrested or cited. Four county housing fraud sweeps are conducted each year, officials said.