Former Dallas Housing Authority employee sentenced to federal prison for stealing nearly $500,000 in public funds
Dallas, Texas – A former supervisor with the Dallas Housing Authority will spend two years in federal prison after admitting to a years-long scheme that diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars from a taxpayer-funded housing program.
Federal prosecutors announced that 50-year-old Joel Ipina, a former maintenance supervisor with the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA), was sentenced on May 21, 2026, in federal court after pleading guilty to theft involving programs that receive government funding.
United States District Judge Jane J. Boyle handed down the sentence and also ordered Ipina to repay $473,641 in restitution.
The case centered on allegations that Ipina used his position within the housing authority to secretly direct contracts to a company he owned while concealing his involvement from the agency.
Scheme Lasted For Years
According to court records, Ipina worked for the Dallas Housing Authority from 1995 until 2024. The agency receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is responsible for providing housing-related services to residents in the Dallas area.
As a maintenance supervisor, Ipina held significant authority. His duties included approving maintenance work orders and selecting contractors to perform repairs and other work at properties under his supervision.
Federal investigators determined that between August 2019 and February 2024, Ipina carried out a scheme designed to enrich himself through the misuse of those responsibilities.
Authorities said he steered maintenance contracts to a business he owned and controlled without informing the Dallas Housing Authority. To help ensure those contracts would be awarded to his company, Ipina allegedly submitted fake competing bids, creating the appearance of a legitimate competitive bidding process.
Investigators also found that DHA paid for some work that was never completed as part of the scheme.
The fraudulent activity continued for several years before it was uncovered, resulting in nearly half a million dollars in losses.
Ipina ultimately pleaded guilty in November 2025 to theft concerning programs receiving government funds.
Officials Condemn Abuse Of Public Trust
Federal officials said the case highlights the damage caused when public employees misuse positions entrusted to them.
“This defendant abused a position of trust to steal public funds intended to serve the Dallas community. This sentence reflects our commitment to protecting taxpayer-funded programs and holding accountable those who exploit them,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould.
Officials with HUD’s Office of Inspector General also emphasized that the stolen money was intended to support housing services for residents who rely on public assistance programs.
“Joel Ipina’s selfish actions diverted almost $500,000 in federal funds intended to provide housing services to vulnerable community members and also took away the opportunity for other actual hard-working companies to compete for contracts and provide services to the Housing Authority of the City of Dallas,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Aaron McCullough with the HUD, Office of Inspector General (OIG).
“HUD OIG will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to diligently pursue and hold accountable individuals who take advantage of their positions of trust and misuse public funds.”
The investigation was conducted by the HUD Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elise Aldendifer prosecuted the case.
With the sentencing now complete, federal authorities say the outcome serves as a reminder that individuals who misuse government funds and abuse public trust can face significant criminal penalties, including prison time and substantial financial restitution.
