Former Bradenton housing official admits to $276K theft

BRADENTON — Former Bradenton Housing Authority Director Wenston DeSue admitted to his role in a case where authorities say he spent hundreds of hours on the clock doing a variety of personal and non-work activities.

DeSue, 44, of Bradenton, pleaded guilty to theft of federal funds, according to a release. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

DeSue, according to prosecutors, took extended multi-hour lunches, ran personal errands during the work day and left early from the BHA — all without taking some form of leave. On some days, DeSue failed to show up for work at all, yet he still collected payment from the BHA as if he had been at work, the release states.

The actions took place from Jan. 1, 2006 through Sept. 19. 2013. Bradenton city officials oversee the BHA, but the charge is a federal offense because the agency receives at least $10,000 a year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Authorities say that in total DeSue stole and converted to his own use $204,756 from the BHA by taking salary, benefits, and bonuses he didn't earn. He also stole another $71,543 by cashing out unused annual and sick leave, which he should have otherwise used while spending work hours attending to personal affairs. The total BHA loss, prosecutors contend, is $276,300.

A co-defendant in the case, former BHA project director Stephany West, pleaded guilty to theft of federal funds March 20. Both West and DeSue are awaiting sentencing.