FBI conducting investigation at South Bend Housing Authority, 2 other properties

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- ABC57 has learned about three different properties raided by the FBI in connection to an investigation into the South Bend Housing Authority.

Agents simultaneously raided the Housing Authority offices on Alonzo Watson Drive, a home owned by the agency at 1910 Thornhill Drive and another home in the 3600 block of Woldhaven Drive around 9:00am Wednesday.

The Department of Justice has confirmed there is federal law enforcement activity in South Bend but would not go into specifics about the investigation.

The executive director of the Housing Authority told ABC57 News that she was not sure what was going on.

However, ABC57 news confirmed the home on Thornhill Drive (that is owned by SBHA) is occupied by a man named Archie Robinson, who at one point had a contract with the Housing Authority for cleaning and maintenance. According to state records, he currently owns a business called KTR Kleaning to Renovations Inc.

The person who lives in the house that was raided on Woldhaven says he is a sub-contractor for Archie Robinson and tells ABC57 News, Robinson still has a contract for cleaning and renovation work with the Housing Authority. He says federal agents told him they are investigating the misapporpriation of funds between Robinson's company and the Housing Authority.

It's unclear if Archie Robinson and executive director Tonya Robinson are related.

A spokesperson for Mayor Pete Buttigieg sent the following statement:

Earlier today the Mayor’s Office became aware through local media reports of today’s law enforcement action at the Housing Authority. While the Housing Authority is not part of the City administration, the Mayor is concerned and will be closely following the situation.

The Mayor is in touch with the Board of Commissioners and has asked that they keep him informed on what they learn from federal officials. In the meantime, he has offered the City’s assistance to help ensure residents are not negatively impacted by this situation. He has been advised that normal operations will continue.

Inquiries concerning Housing Authority matters, including this case, should be directed to the Board of Commissioners.