‘It’s unfair’: Residents without answers months after Prince George Police launch embezzlement investigation
PRINCE GEORGE, Va. (WRIC) — Residents at a Prince George apartment complex said they are still in the dark nearly eight months after police launched an embezzlement investigation.
Puddledock Place residents Kendra Tonic and Brooke Lindsay first reached out to 8News in September after they said they were facing eviction despite paying their rent every month. The two said the thought of being kicked out of their home confused them and they wondered where four months worth of rent payments went.
“I was worried, fearful. I didn't know what to do, what to think," Tonic said.
(Photo: Brad Vassar, 8News)
According to Puddledock Place’s website, the complex offers two and three bedroom options for low-income families ranging from $800 to nearly $1,200 a month.
8News learned Prince George Police launched an embezzlement investigation in August, something residents said they were not told.
PREVIOUSLY: Embezzlement investigation underway at Prince George apartment complex
“We don't know anything. They keep us completely in the dark," Tonic said.
“They don't want to answer questions when we ask about it. So, it makes it complicated for us because we're trying to stay on top of it, you know, so we don't get evicted," Lindsay said.
Tonic and Lindsay said the only details they have received were based on information 8News uncovered.
(Photo: Brad Vassar, 8News)
In September, the Director of Property Management told 8News, "the management is actively addressing all resident concerns, especially regarding any payments or related issues. We are committed to resolving these matters effectively and ensuring the well-being of our community. We value the role of the media in upholding transparency and accountability, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this sensitive situation."
In the following months, 8News continued to receive questions from residents about the situation.
The Director of Property Management told us in December, "we are currently in the process of tracking any payments that residents have reported as missing. All residents continue to be given an opportunity to submit documentation, and we are actively working with them to ensure all missing payments are accounted for. It is important to note that evictions are not being filed on residents who have provided us with the total amount due, that is currently being tracked. We are diligently working to resolve these issues and appreciate your understanding that our pace is dependent on the cooperation of the agency from which we have requested information."
Since then, the property management team has not responded to our requests for an interview to learn additional information including how many residents were impacted, how their office is working to keep residents updated and what residents should do if they receive an eviction letter.
8News recently visited the leasing office, staff there declined to comment.
Tonic and Lindsay say their past due balances have gone down but say the amount hasn't been fully corrected. As this investigation continues they hope to learn who is responsible soon.