Former West Carthage Housing Authority (WCHA) Executive Director Jan Hoffman and her mother, Katherine Pais, have pled guilty to charges of embezzling over $48,000 in WCHA funds.
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, alongside Jefferson County District Attorney Kristyna S. Mills and officials from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the New York State Police, announced the pleas made by Jan Hoffman and Katherine Pais in the embezzlement case involving the West Carthage Housing Authority (WCHA). Hoffman, who served as the executive director of WCHA from 2016 to 2021, was found to have diverted funds meant for supporting seniors and individuals with disabilities for personal use, while her mother, Pais, aided and concealed the illicit scheme.
The investigation, prompted by an anonymous tip received by Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office and the HUD’s Office of Inspector General, uncovered Hoffman’s misuse of WCHA’s financial resources throughout her tenure. The stolen funds, totaling over $48,000, were used for personal expenses including retail purchases, cell phone bills, and groceries. Additionally, Hoffman submitted false reimbursements amounting to over $1,000.
Pais, in her role as the accounts payable bookkeeper, played a crucial part in facilitating and concealing Hoffman’s theft. She failed to report the ongoing embezzlement to the WCHA board, made illicit payments on behalf of her daughter, and falsified records to cover up the fraudulent activities.
Both defendants have pled guilty to their respective charges – Hoffman to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, categorized as a crime of public corruption, and Pais to Corrupting the Government in the Fourth Degree. Their sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2024, before Judge David A. Renzi at Jefferson County Court.
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