Former North Country housing authority director and her mother plead guilty to theft

WEST CARTHAGE, N.Y. — A former West Carthage Housing Authority (WCHA) executive director recently pled guilty to stealing more than $48,000 from the organization, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli has announced. Jan Hoffman, who served as executive director of the government-funded apartment complex for low-income senior citizens and individuals with disabilities from 2016-2021, pled guilty to third-degree grand larceny in Jefferson County Court. Hoffman’s mother, Katherine Pais, who was also charged in connection with the theft, pled guilty to fourth degree corrupting the government. Pais served as the WCHA accounts-payable bookkeeper from 2016-2020. “Hoffman and Pais brazenly diverted funds meant to support seniors and individuals with disabilities to line their own pockets,” DiNapoli said in the announcement. “Thanks to the partnership between my office, Jefferson County Attorney Kristyna S. Mills, the HUD inspector general, and the state police, they have been held accountable for their actions.” DiNapoli’s office — along with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General — began an investigation into all monies controlled by Hoffman after an anonymous tip. The investigation found she had been making personal purchases with WCHA funds since 2016. In total, Hoffman made more than $48,000 in personal purchases including retail purchases, personal cell-phone bills, and groceries. Additionally, she submitted more than $1,000 in false reimbursements, DiNapoli’s investigation revealed. Through her role as the accounts-payable bookkeeper, Pais facilitated and concealed the theft. In this role, she was responsible for reviewing claims and preparing checks for payment. According to DiNapoli, Pais not only knew about Hoffman’s continuous theft and failed to report it to the WCHA board, but she also made the illicit payments and falsified business records to cover for her daughter. Both defendants are due back in court on Aug. 6 for sentencing. “The individuals charged in this case stole funds from unsuspecting citizens, using the money for their own personal benefit,” New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said in the announcement. “We will not tolerate the conduct of those who take advantage of their position to steal money that was meant to benefit people in need. I commend everyone who worked on this case, our members and all our partners, who have now ensured that the two people responsible for this crime are held fully accountable.”