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Former Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority property manager Dion Crockett is jailed after prosecutors accused him of stealing more than $30,000 in tenant rent payments at The Evanston apartment complex. Authorities allege Crockett cashed residents’ money orders instead of applying payments to tenant accounts, leading some renters to receive eviction notices despite paying rent. He faces seven felony charges, including theft, forgery, tampering with records, and unauthorized use of property. Cincinnati police and the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office continue investigating the case.
Dion Crockett, former Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) manager, now faces felony charges after investigators accused him of stealing tenants’ rent payments at a Cincinnati housing complex.
The case centers on allegations that residents at The Evanston apartment complex paid rent that never reached their accounts, triggering eviction threats and lawsuits.
The arrest of Crockett has intensified scrutiny over rent collection practices at public housing properties in Cincinnati.
Authorities allege Dion Crockett, 55, pocketed tenants’ money orders instead of applying payments to resident accounts while managing The Evanston apartment complex.
According to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office announcement reported by FOX19, Crockett faces seven felony charges, including theft in office, theft, forgery, tampering with records, and unauthorized use of property. Prosecutors allege the conduct occurred between January 2024 and April 2026.
Investigators estimate the alleged theft exceeded $30,000, though officials say the total could rise as more residents come forward. Cincinnati police continue to investigate the case.
The allegations surfaced after tenants received notices claiming they owed unpaid rent despite making payments. Several residents said they used money orders and were instructed to submit them directly to Crockett.
Accused of cashing rent payments
Authorities say the former CMHA manager collected rent payments from residents at The Evanston, a CMHA-affiliated property managed by Touchstone Property Services. Prosecutors allege he cashed the money orders personally instead of crediting tenant accounts.
According to WLWT reporting, residents only discovered problems after receiving delinquency notices and potential eviction filings. Some tenants said they had receipts and documentation proving they paid rent on time.
WCPO reported that several tenants claimed Crockett instructed them to leave portions of money orders blank. Resident Marvin Barnes told the station he later learned some money orders were made payable directly to the property manager instead of the housing authority.
The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office said the alleged victims include both tenants and the housing authority itself. Prosecutor Connie Pillich said the accusations undermined public trust in housing systems intended to support low-income residents.
Court records show Crockett could face up to 10.5 years in prison if convicted.
Tenants reported eviction threats despite paying rent
The controversy surrounding the former CMHA manager began drawing public attention in April after tenants said they received conflicting rent balances and eviction warnings.
According to FOX19 coverage from April, multiple residents at The Evanston said notices listed inconsistent amounts owed. Some tenants reported balances changing after meetings with property management staff.
Residents later filed lawsuits against the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority and affiliated property managers. WVXU reported that legal filings accused the former property manager of directing tenants to make money orders payable to him personally.
The lawsuit also alleges some residents faced lease termination proceedings despite paying rent in full. Attorneys representing tenants argued residents should not face eviction over missing payments allegedly diverted by management staff.
Community advocates and local officials later pushed for stronger protections for renters and clearer payment systems.
Former CMHA manager case prompts policy changes
The former CMHA manager investigation has already triggered operational changes at properties managed by Touchstone Property Services.
According to WCPO, CMHA digitized rent payments at Touchstone-managed properties beginning in January 2026. Officials said the change aimed to improve accountability and reduce the risk of payment disputes.
The housing authority also turned records over to Cincinnati police investigators. CMHA confirmed the accused manager no longer worked at any of its properties after December 2025.
The case has renewed broader discussions about housing oversight and tenant protections in Cincinnati. Legal groups and tenant advocates argue subsidized housing residents often face additional barriers when disputing financial records or eviction notices.
The law firm Markovits, Stock & DeMarco announced an investigation into potential claims involving CMHA and Touchstone-managed properties. The firm said it is reviewing allegations involving misapplied rent payments, eviction notices, and housing law violations.
Housing advocates say many residents feared eviction despite maintaining proof of payment. Some tenants also reported confusion about how rent balances were calculated after the alleged thefts surfaced.
Public housing oversight faces renewed scrutiny
The allegations involving the former CMHA manager come amid growing national attention on accountability within public housing agencies and subsidized housing systems.
Federal prosecutors previously charged a former Clermont Metropolitan Housing Authority executive director in a separate theft case involving misuse of public funds. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the former official later pleaded guilty to federal program theft charges.
Housing advocates say cases involving financial misconduct can have long-lasting consequences for residents, especially families already struggling with housing instability. Missing rent records may affect lease renewals, eviction proceedings, and tenant credit histories.
Several Cincinnati-area tenants interviewed by local media said they kept money order receipts and payment records after learning of the alleged misconduct. Attorneys have encouraged affected residents to preserve documentation while investigations continue.
The criminal case against Crockett remains pending in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. Prosecutors have not announced a trial date.
For residents at The Evanston, the investigation has become part of a broader fight to clear rent balances and prevent wrongful evictions tied to disputed payment records.
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FAQs
Who is the former CMHA manager charged in the case?
Dion Crockett, a former property manager affiliated with the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, was charged in Hamilton County. Prosecutors accuse him of mishandling tenant rent payments while managing The Evanston apartment complex.
What charges does Dion Crockett face?
Crockett faces seven felony charges, including theft in office, forgery, theft, tampering with records, and unauthorized use of property. Prosecutors allege the offenses occurred between January 2024 and April 2026.
How were tenants affected by the alleged rent theft?
Several tenants reportedly received delinquency notices and eviction threats even though they said they paid rent on time. Some residents later filed lawsuits after discovering their payments allegedly were not credited to their accounts.
What actions has CMHA taken since the investigation began?
CMHA said the accused manager no longer works at its properties. The agency also implemented more digital rent payment systems at some properties and cooperated with Cincinnati police investigators reviewing the allegations.
