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Richmond Shelter Nonprofit Co-Founder Charged With Federal Wire Fraud Over Alleged Fake Invoices

The filing refocuses attention on the city's vetting of providers that received nearly $1 million in HUD-backed funding.

Overview

  • Federal prosecutors filed the case on Oct. 20, alleging at least 35 fabricated invoices and a loss of $199,163 to HUD and Richmond.
  • Invoices tied to a nonexistent caterer triggered $170,869 in reimbursements, with additional false billings for laundry, pest control, cleaning, and contractor work.
  • Court documents say Kia Player routed money to her company, MH Resource Solutions, and spent funds on personal purchases including flights, retail items, and a tattoo.
  • RVA Sisters Keeper received about $995,444 in government funds in 2022–23, operated an inclement weather shelter from October 2022 to April 2023, and is now closed as the city relies on the Salvation Army site.
  • Records show prior state and federal tax liens against Player, Richmond’s interim inspector general has an active probe, and a federal court hearing is set for Nov. 18 at 1:30 p.m.