The Ocean City Housing Authority's former executive director was sentenced to three years' probation for turning federal funds into gift cards for herself.
Alesia Watson, 54, of Galloway Township, previously pleaded guilty in Camden Federal Court to one count of embezzling federal funds.
Watson had access to two credit cards from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that were maintained by the Housing Authority.
From December 2013 through March 2015, she used those credit cards to buy 69 MasterCard gift cards totaling $8,050, according to the charge. She used the gift cards for personal expenses.
She was ordered to pay restitution.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited HUD special agents in the Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christina Scaringi, and special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Mark McKevitt, with the investigation.
