(WKYT) – The former executive director of the Stanford Housing Authority was sentenced on federal charges Wednesday.
Ashley Nicole Lear, 43, was sentenced to 13 months in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. She will also have to pay $120,358 in restitution.
According to Lear’s plea agreement, between July 2023 and March 2025, Lee paid herself unauthorized bonuses and inflated her salary, often providing forged board meeting minutes to auditors to justify them.
Lear also used the housing authority’s credit card for personal purchases at restaurants, salons, personal travel and concert tickets, and its official vehicle for personal travel.
There were incidents where Lear made unauthorized wire transfers from the housing authority’s to her personal Chime account and used its credit card at a tanning salon.
Overall, Lear embezzled or misappropriated more than $5,000 in housing authority funds.