Former Head of Niagara Falls Housing Authority Pleads Guilty to Stealing Government Funds; Son and Daughter-in-Law Also Convicted

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Stephanie W. Cowart, 58, of Grand Island, NY, pleaded guilty to theft concerning programs receiving federal funds before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, Cowart’s son and daughter-in-law, Allen, 31, and Fredia, 28, both of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of theft of government funds which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine