HUD BARS 10 PEOPLE CONVICTED IN BOSTON DRUG CONSPIRACY FROM PARTICIPATION IN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

The individuals were convicted of involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that was headquartered in HUD-funded housing run by the Boston Housing Authority. Authorities said the group of criminals maintained a climate of fear and violence in the Charlestown neighborhood in which they operated until they were arrested in 1993.

Today's action is part of the sweeping crackdown on waste, fraud and abuse that Cuomo launched in March to eliminate misuse of taxpayer dollars in HUD programs. As part of this new "Get Tough" effort, Cuomo announced a new policy of seeking debarments from federal programs of any person who is convicted of a drug felony or a violent crime that involves HUD.

"When people use HUD-funded housing to break the law, they become eligible for only one type of taxpayer-funded housing -- a prison cell," Cuomo said. "We have zero tolerance for their criminal activities that terrorize, threaten and intimidate law-abiding citizens."

Debarment prohibits people from benefiting directly or indirectly from any taxpayer-funded programs for a period of time. The debarment actions announced today vary from three years to indefinite terms. The indefinite debarments are permanent, unless overturned by a court.

Activities prohibited by debarment include: working as a contractor or for a contractor or program that receives federal funding; entering into a new lease to live in HUD-assisted housing; and receiving a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

The individuals whose debarments were announced today were convicted of multiple felonies in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, including: racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, armed robbery, and illegally using and carrying firearms.

A list of debarment actions is attached.

HUD DEBARMENT ACTIONS

Content Archived: January 20, 2009