Former housing authority director accused of embezzling $106k

The former executive director of the Whitefish Housing Authority is accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from the nonprofit during his brief tenure with the organization. 

Dwarne Hawkins was indicted in June in U.S. District Court in Missoula on one count of theft from an organization that receives federal funding and five counts of wire fraud. 

Charging documents allege that while working as executive director, Hawkins embezzled funds from the housing authority by diverting and inflating payroll, paying personal expenses with the housing authority's credit card, and creating and paying fraudulent invoices to businesses that Hawkins controlled.  

According to court documents, Hawkins embezzled approximately $106,345 in six wire transmissions made between August 2023 and January 2024. 

The Whitefish Housing Authority receives federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

In a 2023 interview with the Whitefish Pilot, Hawkins said he previously worked for housing authorities in Baltimore and East St. Louis. He was hired as Whitefish Housing Authority's executive director in January 2023 and his tenure ended in March of this year. 

Housing authority officials discovered the alleged fraud following Hawkins' departure, according to Riss Getts, the authority's acting executive director. 

Getts said the organization is cooperating with ongoing investigations and court proceedings. 

"As those entrusted with overseeing one of the area’s oldest affordable housing organizations, WHA’s current leadership acknowledges the gravity of the housing crisis and the serious need for capable organizations up to the task of ensuring all community members have access to safe, dignified and affordable housing. We are laser-focused on advancing current projects, strengthening our housing authority’s policies and procedures, and working with area partners to better serve our community’s affordable housing needs," Getts said in the statement. 

Hawkins' theft charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and the wire fraud counts can be punished by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

A plea deal deadline is set for Sept. 26, with a trial date set for Oct. 7 in Missoula.