Posted on 07/15/2026 1:20:59 PM PDT by CFW
HINESVILE, Ga. — A former Georgia housing authority executive director and a Savannah man have been indicted on federal fraud charges stemming from what prosecutors say is a yearslong scheme that allegedly cost a public housing agency more than $2.5 million.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, Melanie S. Thompson, 55, of Savannah, is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 19 counts of wire fraud, and two counts of making false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims. Toriono L. Byrd, 52, of Savannah, is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Federal prosecutors say the scheme began as early as September 2019 and continued through October 2023 while Thompson served as executive director of the Hinesville Housing Authority.
According to the indictment, Thompson allegedly created or approved false invoices directing payments to Byrd’s private business for work that was either never completed or billed at amounts far above its actual value. Prosecutors say Byrd then allegedly funneled some of that money back to Thompson through kickback payments for her personal benefit.
(Excerpt) Read more at wsbtv.com ...
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I'm beginning to think the answer is "Yes".
“...Savannah man...”
Well, for once, ‘Florida Man’ is off the hook!
And, yes. Government, at all levels has become a free-for-all, line-your-pockets criminal enterprise.
The broken link is the citizenry vetting of candidates. It requires time and attention.
That’s the problem. We like our entertainment much more.
Them again Boo Boo.
As usual Gov. Kemp is nowhere to be found.
GA is one screwed up state.
The GIBMEDATs are really all around. They ALL should be in prison...or deported to Liberia.

Melanie S. Thompson, 55, of Savannah, (mug shot shown) is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 19 counts of wire fraud, and two counts of making false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims. Her accomplice, Toriono L. Byrd, 52, of Savannah, is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Well, she looks nice.

That needs a Helen Thomas warning!
Um...please see post #7. You may wish to amend your comment.

According to the indictment, Thompson allegedly created or approved false invoices directing payments to Byrd’s private business for work that was either never completed or billed at amounts far above its actual value. Prosecutors say Byrd (above in cuffs) then allegedly funneled some of that money back to Thompson through kickback payments for her personal benefit.
What is with some relatively decent looking black men hooking up with ugly fat white women?
Thanks for the pictures, Liz. Sheesh.
She needs some jolly ranchers to turn that frown upside down. 😊
$$$$$$
How do people do that intense frown? A lot of politicians do it. Bill Clinton, Mitch McConnell, Tim Walz, and others. On second thought, I really don’t want to know.
Book em Danno!
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