Although not in the mega million-dollar scam category, the scenario takes on special significance since Hudson is alleged to have mismanaged the funds while acting as executive director of the Sanford Housing Authority. Sanford is 25 miles north of Downtown Orlando.
Besides the remodeling allegations, Hudson and his development company, TDH & Associates, are also accused of building two houses for low-income buyers with the help of a $65,000 state grant, then selling the properties to a friend who couldn't qualify as a buyer under the grant's rules.
Sanford city commissioners asked authority chairman Edward Blacksheare to investigate the charges until they learned Blacksheare is Hudson's partner in another development company, Sandy Ventures.
Besides the HUD money allegations, Hudson is also accused of hiring family friends and relatives for various city positions and promoting other friends and relatives already holding city jobs.
Hudson did not respond to GlobeSt.com's request for comment. GlobeSt.com has learned, however, the authority and Hudson today are preparing a defense to answer a lawsuit filed in Seminole Circuit Court Feb. 2 by the Orlando Sentinel daily newspaper.
The suit charges Hudson, as executive director of the housing authority, refuses to disclose public records on the authority's activities, including what it did with about $1.5 million in federal funds earmarked for renovation of low-income apartments.
Central Florida Legal Services, a Sanford-based agency representing tenants living in the authority's properties, is also accusing Hudson of refusing to show the authority's public records. In a related action, lawyers for four tenants await formal approval by the city on the settlement of a November federal court lawsuit in Orlando. That settlement will protect the privacy of tenants living in authority-operated housing.
The November lawsuit and settlement stems from Hudson's illegal entry into a tenant's apartment without probable cause and without a search warrant. A state court awarded tenant Tanisa Comer $77,000 last year.
The authority is appealing the judgment. Besides Hudson, defendants in the suit were the city, the housing authority, Police Chief Brian Tooley and City Manager Tony VanDerworp.
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