Sisters Indicted for Tamaya Housing Theft
Federal authorities charged two former housing officials with conspiring to divert funds for personal gain.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Federal authorities announced the indictment of two sisters on September 24, 2026, for allegedly stealing funds from Tamaya Housing Inc. Sharilene Jeff and Sandra Jeff are accused of orchestrating kickback schemes involving federal grants.
Why it matters
The case highlights the alleged misuse of critical federal resources meant to support housing initiatives. It underscores the ongoing federal efforts to combat the diversion of tribal housing grant funding.
Sharilene Jeff faces five counts of theft, while Sandra Jeff faces two counts of theft, with each incident involving at least $5,000. Each defendant faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison upon conviction.
The players
Sharilene Jeff
She served as the Interim Executive Director of Tamaya Housing Inc. and is currently detained pending trial.
Sandra Jeff
She served as the office manager for Tamaya Housing Inc. and is currently on release under federal supervision.
Tamaya Housing Inc.
This is a tribal housing entity that receives federal funding through the Indian Housing Block Grant Program.
The details
Prosecutors claim the sisters, who held leadership roles at the organization, paid individuals for work never performed in exchange for cash kickbacks. They allegedly instructed recipients to withdraw small amounts of cash and misrepresent the nature of the contracts to evade detection.
Timeline
November 2021 through May 2022: Period of the alleged conspiracy.
April 2022: Alleged transfer of $50,000 and subsequent cash collection.
May 2022: Alleged transfer of $63,500 and subsequent cash collections.
September 24, 2026: Announcement of the federal indictment.
Legal Context
This case aligns with federal oversight protocols regarding the administration of the Indian Housing Block Grant Program. It demonstrates the government's rigorous approach to investigating financial malfeasance within entities managing public tribal housing funds.
The indictment serves as a notice to local residents and stakeholders regarding the oversight of community housing grants. Authorities are maintaining focus on the accountability of entities receiving federal financial support in the area.
The takeaway
Maintaining strict financial controls is essential for the longevity of tribal housing projects. Transparency in grant management protects both the organization and the community members who rely on these services.
Further reading
For more background on regional investigations, visit Financial Crime.
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