MISSOULA, MT — Dwarne Lamont Hawkins, the former executive director of the Whitefish Housing Authority, was sentenced to prison on Friday, February 7, after pleading guilty to embezzling funds from the organization. U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced that Hawkins, 46, would serve four months in prison, followed by four months of home confinement. In addition to his sentence, Hawkins was ordered to pay restitution totaling $144,842 and perform 200 hours of community service.
Hawkins, a resident of Fairview Heights, Illinois, held the position of executive director at the Whitefish Housing Authority from May 2023 to January 2024. During this time, he diverted federal funds meant for housing assistance for low-income families. The Whitefish Housing Authority, which receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), had been allocated approximately $468,616 during the period in question.
According to court documents, Hawkins embezzled funds by inflating payroll figures, using the authority’s credit card for personal expenses, and submitting fraudulent invoices to businesses under his control. These actions led to the misappropriation of nearly $145,000 in public funds.
In his sentencing, U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy emphasized the seriousness of the offense, noting the detrimental impact on a program intended to provide safe and affordable housing to those in need. Following his prison term, Hawkins will also be subject to three years of supervised release.
The investigation, led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General, uncovered the full extent of Hawkins’ fraudulent activities. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Hawkins was allowed to self-report to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence. His conviction serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in handling federal funds intended to support vulnerable communities.
