A Hamilton County Grand Jury today indicted a former property manager for the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) on charges related to the theft of rent payments from tenants.

Dion Crockett, 55, of Liberty Township, is charged with one count of theft in office, three counts of theft, one count of unauthorized use of property, one count of forgery, and one count of tampering with records.

Crockett served as the property manager for the CMHA complex known as The Evanston. Between Jan. 1, 2024, and April 30, 2026, tenants gave Crockett money orders to pay their rent. Instead of applying those payments to the tenants’ accounts, Crockett cashed the money orders and failed to credit the tenants, making it appear as though they had not paid rent.

The scheme came to light after CMHA issued notices to tenants regarding unpaid rent, prompting multiple residents to come forward and report that they had submitted rent payments but were not receiving credit.

Investigators estimate the theft exceeds $30,000, and that amount is expected to increase as additional victims and money orders are confirmed.

The multiple victims in this case include CMHA and tenants who were wrongfully accused of failing to pay their rent. An investigation by the Cincinnati Police Department is ongoing.

“Public housing exists to provide safe, stable homes for families who need it most,” said Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich. “When someone entrusted with managing those properties is accused of stealing rent payments the harm goes far beyond dollars and cents. It undermines trust and places an unfair burden on residents who did exactly what they were supposed to do. My office will hold accountable anyone who abuses a position of public trust for personal gain.”

Crockett will be arraigned in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court at a later date. He faces up to 10.5 years in prison.