Atlanta Housing Authority VP Charged with Fraud

Atlanta, December 24, 2025

News Summary

Tracy Denise Jones, senior vice president at the Atlanta Housing Authority, faces multiple charges including conspiracy to commit theft of government funds and fraud. Allegations include using falsified documents to enroll family members in Section 8 housing and fraudulently obtaining pandemic relief funds. Following the charges, Shannon Linsey has been appointed as interim senior vice president. Authorities express concern over the exploitation of assistance programs meant for vulnerable communities.

Atlanta

Tracy Denise Jones, a senior vice president at the Atlanta Housing Authority, has been charged with conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, wire fraud, and credit application fraud. Jones, 61, was arraigned on December 19, 2025, following allegations that she exploited her position within the agency to illegally collect substantial financial aid.

As the senior vice president over the Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8, since April 2017, Jones is implicated in a scheme that allegedly involved using falsified documents to enroll family members in the program for her own rental property, which is specifically prohibited for housing authority staff. Over the course of her actions, she allegedly collected over $36,000 in improper Section 8 housing assistance funds.

To obscure her identity, Jones is accused of employing a fake name and establishing a shell business to facilitate the housing authority paperwork. Furthermore, the charges include allegations of obstructing investigations by submitting false affidavits and persuading others to provide fraudulent materials on her behalf.

Additional Charges Related to Pandemic Relief Funds

In addition to the housing fraud, Jones allegedly fraudulently obtained over $27,000 in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds through applications to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs. She falsely claimed that her businesses were operational, employed multiple staff members, and generated more than $56,000 in revenue in 2019. After one application for pandemic relief was denied, she reportedly appealed, asserting that she was an honest business owner.

Further complicating her legal troubles, Jones faces allegations of mortgage fraud during the refinancing of her Section 8 rental property. She is accused of falsely claiming the property was her primary residence in a $219,780 loan application, asserting that the property was not a rental and that she did not own any other properties.

Critical Responses from Authorities

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg expressed concerns about Jones exploiting assistance programs meant for vulnerable communities. Additionally, Jerome Winkle, special agent in charge of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General, highlighted how her actions jeopardized the availability of HUD-assisted housing.

The investigation into these allegations is part of the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, which was established in 2021 in response to widespread fraud associated with pandemic relief funds. As of the latest news report, Jones has not publicly commented on the charges, and it remains unclear if she has retained legal representation.

Changes in Atlanta Housing Authority Leadership

Following the announcement of the charges against Jones, the Atlanta Housing Authority has appointed Shannon Linsey as the interim senior vice president of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, ensuring that operations continue in the important housing assistance initiative.

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Atlanta Housing Authority VP Charged with Fraud
Atlanta Distances Itself from Trump’s Federal Intervention Plans
University System of Georgia Foundation Fundraising Triumph
Residents of Channing Cove Face HOA Struggles
Thompson Thrift Launches Luxury Community The Pullman in Union City
Atlanta Launches Rapid Housing Initiative for Unsheltered Residents
Atlanta’s Apartment Market Faces Economic Challenges and Growth
Atlanta Emerges as 10th Hottest Rental Market for 2025
Middle Street Partners Launches Luxury Apartments in Atlanta
Clayton County Man Arrested for Human Trafficking Charges

Additional Resources

• USA Today
• Wikipedia: Housing Choice Voucher Program
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Google Search: Atlanta Housing Authority fraud
• 11 Alive
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
• WSB TV
• Google News: Tracy Denise Jones
• Atlanta News First
• Google Scholar: Atlanta Housing Authority fraud

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.