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

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Three different properties were raided by the FBI in connection with an investigation into the South Bend Housing Authority Wednesday morning.

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 a.m.

The Department of Justice 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 said she was not sure what was going on.

The home on Thornhill Drive (which 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 says Robinson still has a contract for cleaning and renovation work with the Housing Authority.

He says federal agents told him they are investigating the misappropriation of funds between Robinson's company and the Housing Authority.

It's unclear if Archie 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.