COURTS: Former Niagara Falls Housing Authority executive director also fined $2,000. Director Management 1 phone number found . Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, who is handling the case, stated that between 1997 and July 21, 2016, Stephanie Cowart served as Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority (NFHA), an organization that has received federal funding. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York, Former Head Of Niagara Falls Housing Authority Pleads Guilty To Stealing Government Funds; Son And Daughter-In-Law Also Convicted, Seven Defendants Charged In Rochester Illegal Sports Gambling Business, Father And Son Arrested, Charged With Kidnapping Conspiracy In An Attempt To Force Their Daughter/Sister To Marry In Yemen, Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Lying To Probation Officer, Former Head Of Niagara Falls Housing Authority Pleads Guilty To Stealing Government Funds; Son And Daughter In Law Also Convicted. cmscott@nfha.org. DIVISION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY 11 Page AUTHORITY LETTER 2 INTRODUCTION 3 Background 3 Objective 3 Scope and Methodology 3 Comments of Authority Of cials and Corrective Action 4 Niagara University President Rev. According a synopsis of the grant filed in the authoritys records, the program in which Allen and Fredia Cowart were to have served as instructors would userole playing exercises, conflict resolution techniques and situational exercises to teach young people how to make productive decisions in challenging environments. They didn't publicly discuss during their meeting any link between the $6,000 and the federal investigation of Stephanie Cowart. Between October 2013 and January 2015, Stephanie Cowart, being an agent of a state authority, and being aided by Allen and Fredia Cowart, stole $6,000 from the NFHA. Fax: 716-773-7190. On behalf of Ms. Cowart, this money is returned in connection with a check Ms. Cowart had received in December of 2014. Regarding Fredia Cowart, Elmore said she was not a part of the program because she suffers from significant health problems and fell ill during the time the program was to be administered. "He said he was the most sacked and most intercepted quarterback in UB history," said Frank A. ", Cowart told Arcara she had always tried to be "an advocate for the needy and disadvantaged.". Keep reading with unlimited digital access. "I'm going to stay as long as the citizens and the Housing Authority board will have me.". "My investigators brought this case to our partners in law enforcement, and I thank U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Inspector General, and the FBI for their diligent work in the fight against public corruption.". Cowart, who appeared before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, pleaded guilty to theft of federal funds and acknowledged signing off on a teaching job and a training . Nonprofit; Niagara Falls, NY; Employees. Ex-UB player named executive director of Niagara Falls Housing Authority. Allen Cowart falsely claimed that he was performing the work of two teachers under the Advantage After School Program and was paid more than two times the normal hourly pay rate for one teacher position. The scores in this Report are the official PHAS scores of record for your PHA. Niagara Falls Housing Authority votes to give 18 months of dental insurance coverage to former executive director Stephanie Cowart. He said Williams is eligible for housing authority housing, so if she doesn't purchase the property, the board will find her suitable housing in another authority property. Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, who is handling the case, stated that between 1997 and July 21, 2016, Stephanie Cowart served as Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority (NFHA), an organization that has received federal funding. Longtime local football fans might remember him as Cliff Scott, who was the Battle was one the first federal defenders in the state's Western District office from 2002 to 2005, a seat now occupied by U.S. Attorney William Hochul. Fortunately, not all public servants are similarly motivated, and those who abuse their positions of trust, such as Cowart, can be brought to justice by those who, like our state and federal law enforcement officers who worked this case, faithfully serve the public with honor and integrity., Public corruption is the FBIs top criminal investigative priority because it poses a fundamental threat to the way government and communities operate every day, said Kevin P. Lyons, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBIs Buffalo Division. Kathy Hochul announced the appointment of Robert Megna as New York state budget director. Todays sentencings are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin P. Lyons; the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Brad Geary; and the Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Division of Investigations. Box 69, Niagara Falls, NY 14302 | phone: (716) 286 8800 | fax: (716) 286 8809 . At the time, the Bulls were in the process of transitioning their football program from Division III to what used to be called Division I-AA. The board appointed Clifford Scott to the post. But said he has been looking to get back into an executive director's role and to return to Western New York. We are at present trying to gather as many facts as possible. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Box 69 Niagara Falls, NY 14302-0069 Phone Number (716) 286-4327. I've been very fortunate to turn each one around, some more than others," Scott said. There is a federal investigation under way. The authority's commissioners accepted the repayment Tuesday and agreed to return the funds to the Niagara Area Foundation. Our own internal review is ongoing. The privately funded, local not-for-profit cut the check after the authority pitched a productive lifestyle seminar run by two state-certified teachers that was supposed to span 10 weeks the following year. My priorities are God, family and community.". A locked padlock They are difficult to manage," said Dobbs. I dont expect any announcements about the executive director to be made today. Larry Scott Blackmon New York Association of Chapters of Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 100 Black Men. 100 State Street Suite 500 and direct supervision is received from the Executive Director and/or Deputy Executive Director with scheduling of work assignments periodically reviewed. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. "I made a terrible decision and I am truly sorry," Cowart told the judge. Niagara Falls Housing Authority: $226,000; Project Stork: $100,000; In the post-colonial era the establishment of so-called 'peaceparks' that straddle the borders of states has come to be seen as a key not only to increasing tourism in the Southern African region, but also to the modernizing of conservation policies and the development of rural economies. Get the inside scoop on jobs, salaries, top office locations, and CEO insights. Jul 7, 2019. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Lock Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Stephanie W. Cowart, 58, of Grand Island, NY, pleaded guilty to theft concerning programs receiving federal funds before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Federal prosecutors claimed in a criminal complaint that Allen and Fredia Cowart pocketed the cash and never conducted the program, which was called A Better Me. Since July, he spoke to the Gazette on one occasion. Dave DiCenzo2022-05-05T20:29:44+00:00May 5th, 2022|Categories: Public News|. The Niagara Falls Housing Authority is committed to removing as many obstacles as possible to empower individuals and families to reach these goals. Experienced Chief Financial Officer and executive level leader with a demonstrated successful history of working in the child welfare, individual and family services industries, as well as . "I lived my life, never expecting to appear in court under these circumstances," she said. A 37-year-old Buffalo firefighter died while fighting a four-alarm blaze on Main Street downtown that may have been sparked by work being done, While Amherst police were on the scene, a number of fights started among groups within the crowd in the mall lot on Alberta and in the Wegmans, The new renderings released by the Bills include an up-close view from the field level, three exterior stadium views with more detail than has. The commissioners also agreed to sell a single-family home owned by the authority that is occupied by Cowart's sister, Patricia Williams. Address. Whether Cowart will face criminal charges related to the federal investigation is out of the authority's hands, according to Cafarella. Barone will retire at the end of July after 32 years with the authority, including 18 years as deputy executive director before taking over for Cowart. Soda, authority board chairman, said Scott "gravitates to troubled housing authorities.". In stealing public funds, the defendant put her own interests ahead not only of taxpayers but of the very people she was supposed to be helping, said U.S. Attorney Kennedy. The smart way to start your day. "(That means) you're entitled to work hard and get a paycheck. CONTACT: Barbara Burns Winds light and variable.. Cloudy. Address 744 10th St Niagara Falls, NY 14301; Industry Nonprofit; Estimated Revenue 5M . 716-285-6961. Allen and Fredia Cowart, on behalf of People and Possibilities, Inc., sought and obtained a $6,000 grant from NAF, with the assistance of Stephanie Cowart. Description. That cash had come to the authority in the form of a grant from the private, not-for-profit, Niagara Area Foundation. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. NIAGARA FALLS The Niagara Falls Housing Authority Board of Commissioners accepted a $6,000 repayment from a son of suspended Executive Director Stephanie W. Cowart and decided to sell a single-family home occupied by Cowart's sisterat its meeting Tuesday. He held a similar post in Kansas City, Mo., before going to Youngstown, Ohio, as housing authority executive director in 2008. Join a rapidly growing career with potential for upward mobility. It is essential," said Clifford Scott, the Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority. Before it was given to Cowarts relatives, the money for the seminar was obtained from the Niagara Area Foundation, a division of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, by a not-for-profit incorporated withthe authoritys name and address, People and Possibilities, Inc. The transition did not go smoothly. Niagara Falls Housing Authority Executive Director Stephanie Cowart has enlisted the service of a prominent Washington D.C. attorney who was once the top federal prosecutor in Western New York. As part of her plea agreement, Cowart was required to pay $17,583 in restitution. That prompted the board to authorize the sale of the property. None available. "I was sacked 10 times in one game," Scott said. The housing authority owns and manages 9 facilities which total 914 units across the city. Edit Highlights Section. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. In stealing public funds, the defendant put her own interests ahead not only of taxpayers but of the very people she was supposed to be helping, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York J.P. Kennedy said. Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. (Source: buffalonews.com) Stephanie W. Cowart, former executive director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, admitted Wednesday to working with her son and daughter-in-law to steal $17,580 from the authority and the state. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Niagara Falls Community Development | 745 Main Street, P.O. Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, who handled the case, stated that between 1997 and July 21, 2016, Stephanie Cowart served as Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority (NFHA), an organization that has received federal funding. Niagara Falls Housing Authority Executive Director Clifford Scott, shown here in this file photo taken during a meeting on July 10, 2019 at city hall, will provide administrative oversight to the . HUD awards Batavia Housing Authority $465,324; The Niagara Falls Housing Authority management team includes Stephanie Cowart (Executive Director), Patricia Barone (Interim Executive Director), and Tomorrow Allen-Collins (Deputy Executive Director of Administration). Niagara Falls Housing Authority Executive Director Stephanie Cowart has enlisted the service of a prominent Washington D.C. attorney who was once the top federal prosecutor in Western New York. You have permission to edit this article. . Board Chairperson: Paul Dyster. 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Phone: 716-773-7676 During the time period that Allen Cowart was paid a $50 hourly pay rate, he received $11,583 more than he would have, had he been paid the $23 hourly pay rate. 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