A former City of Amarillo grant manager has admitted to embezzling federal housing funds meant to aid homeless and near-homeless individuals, according to a plea agreement filed in federal court on Tuesday.
Vanessa Robinson, who worked in the Community Development Department as a grant manager, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Embezzle from a Federally Funded Program. Court documents reveal that she misappropriated funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program between June 2019 and September 2024.
Fraudulent Scheme Spanning Five Years
According to the plea agreement, Robinson engaged in an elaborate scheme that allowed her to live rent-free for 25 months, costing the HUD program $34,673.93. Additionally, she created fraudulent housing applications for family members to secure benefits they were not eligible for.
Court filings also detail how Robinson generated fraudulent lease agreements, directing rent payments to fictitious landlords, including her spouse. The illegal payments totaled approximately $121,325.21.
To execute her scheme, Robinson worked with a co-conspirator, who has not been publicly named in court records. This individual allegedly posed as Robinson’s caseworker and communicated with landlords on her behalf to make the fraudulent applications appear legitimate.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
Federal sentencing guidelines indicate that Robinson could face:
Up to five years in federal prison
A fine of up to $250,000
Restitution of at least $121,325.21
A term of supervised release of up to three years
Robinson’s sentencing date has not yet been set. A presentence investigation and report will be conducted before sentencing, and United States District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk is expected to oversee the case.
During a court appearance on Wednesday, Magistrate Judge Lee Ann Reno recommended accepting Robinson’s guilty plea. The government did not request pretrial detention, allowing Robinson to remain free on a personal recognizance bond with specific conditions of release.
Impact on the Community
The HUD program is designed to support Amarillo’s most vulnerable residents, providing funding for individuals experiencing homelessness or those at risk of losing housing. The theft of these funds directly undermined assistance programs meant to offer stable housing for those in need.
Robinson was initially employed by the City of Amarillo in 2013 and held a position of trust within the Community Development Department. Now, as she awaits sentencing, city officials and federal prosecutors are emphasizing the importance of accountability in public service.
