Housing Authority Scandal Exposed | Savannah News

Former Hinesville Housing Authority head Melanie Thompson and unlicensed contractor Toriono Byrd face federal wire fraud charges after allegedly siphoning $2.5 million over four years through fake invoices, kickbacks, and misuse of public funds—including buying semi-trucks registered to Byrd and paying herself $67K in phantom stipends. Byrd reportedly funneled $115K back to Thompson, while Thompson also secured $38K in COVID loans for a trucking company tied to Byrd’s scheme. If convicted, both could spend up to 20 years in prison and forfeit all assets. No other housing authority staff were allegedly aware. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/341d7ee8baeb77e1