HUD, LEXINGTON-FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY, FAYETTE COUNTY COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, FAYETTE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Issue Approximately Ten Arrest Warrants in Lexington and Louisville as part of "Operation Clean Sweep"

ATLANTA - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of the Inspector General, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Housing Authority, Fayette County Commonwealth Attorney's Office and Fayette County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies are working together today as part of HUD's Office of Inspector General's "Operation Clean Sweep" to arrest approximately 10 individuals who have fraudulently obtained federal funding for affordable housing in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, are tenants who are classified as fugitives and
or have outstanding warrants but are not considered fugitives.

"The Kentucky Field Office of HUD appreciates the combined efforts of the HUD Office of the Inspector General, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Housing Authority, and the state and local law enforcement agencies that worked together to investigate these egregious fraudulent acts. The individuals arrested today not only defrauded the US Government, but they also deprived honest citizens of the opportunity for housing assistance that is in limited
supply. HUD will not tolerate fraud of any kind and is committed to working with the Inspector General to identify
and prosecute anyone seeking to defraud or abuse this essential program," said HUD Kentucky Field Office Director Krista Mills.

"HUD's Inspector General Office has partnered with HUD, housing authorities, and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to ensure those person(s) defrauding HUD's Section 8 program are thoroughly investigated
and prosecuted. The arrests today signifies our commitment and resolve to ensure the integrity of our federal
housing programs," said Herschell Harvell, HUD, Office Inspector General.

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income
families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.

Individuals with knowledge of fraud or suspect fraud in Section 8 Rental Assistance Program should contact the
U.S. HUD Office of Inspector General at 1 (800) 347-3735.

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.