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.