A Brenham resident, aged 59, has been charged with misappropriating federal grant funds, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Clifford Wayne Robertson is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett on July 28 at 10 a.m.
Robertson is accused of misusing federal grants given to Castle Cares Community Ministry Inc., also known as The Warrior’s Refuge, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter and services for homeless veterans. During his time as CEO and executive director, Robertson allegedly submitted several applications for federal aid from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Labor (DOL) between February and April 2020. The organization reportedly received around $1.3 million from the VA and $500,000 from the DOL due to these applications.
The charges claim that Robertson knowingly embezzled part of these federal grants for personal expenses not allowed under the terms of the funding and for counseling services he did not provide to veterans.
If found guilty, Robertson could face up to 10 years in federal prison along with a maximum fine of $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the VA – Office of Inspector General (OIG), DOL – OIG, and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh is handling the prosecution.
It should be noted that a criminal information serves as a formal accusation but does not constitute evidence; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.
