Former Conyers official pleads guilty to embezzlement

Prosecutors say the former director of the Conyers Housing Authority has pleaded guilty to the theft of more than $130,000 in federal funds from the Housing Authority.

Kristi Kirkus Wilson, 44, of Conyers was accused of embezzling more than $130,000 in Housing Authority grants from HUD between 2000 and 2007.

U.S. attorney Davis Nahmias said Wilson also misused Housing Authority credit cards for vacation expenses, personal meals and personal items for her home, including a barn, fencing, Christmas decorations and a waterslide, as well as Christmas gifts and parties for Housing Authority employees. Nahmias also said Wilson paid herself bonuses and padded her salary and the salary of her husband, Ronnie Wilson, who also worked for the Housing Authority.

Wilson pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of theft of program funds. She could receive a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Sentencing is set for Aug. 24 before U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash.