Bradenton Housing Authority sends fraud allegations to federal officials

BRADENTON -- Allegations of fraud against former Bradenton Housing Authority acting director Darcy Branch have been turned over to the Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General for investigation.

BHA Executive Director Ellis Mitchell Jr. levied the allegation last month after discovering that Branch in May 2015 signed a contract with an accounting firm as interim director a full six months after Mitchell was already in place.

Mitchell was unaware of the contract until he attended a conference in March, at which time he was asked when the company would be invited to fulfill its contract with the BHA.

Mitchell said in April that Branch, "had no business signing it. It's fraud. There wasn't even a copy of the contract on file," noting Branch further violated the agency's regulations by not bringing the BDO contract to the board for approval.

Branch in April said she didn't recall whether the contract went before the board, but said she would never sign a contract as interim director.

Branch and her attorney Mark Lipinksi then declined further comment. Lipinski could not be reached for comment Thursday.

A copy of the contract signed May 13, 2015, shows Branch's signature and "Interim Executive Director" under her signature.

HUD-OIG officials declined to comment on anything pertaining to investigations.

The contract was worth $10,000. Mitchell said BDO representatives have agreed not to hold the BHA responsible to uphold the contract.

Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter@urbanmark2014.

This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 3:39 PM with the headline "Bradenton Housing Authority sends fraud allegations to federal officials ."