EXEC DIRECTOR, PAL INDICTED IN FRAUD RACKET

A former Hinesville Housing Authority executive director and a Savannah businessman have been indicted in an alleged years-long fraud scheme that prosecutors say siphoned off more than $2.5 million from the agency. Melanie S. Thompson, 55, is accused of steering bogus invoices, fake bonuses and fraudulent COVID-era loan applications while allegedly funneling payments to Toriono L. Byrd, 52, whose business supposedly billed for work never done — then kicked money back to Thompson. If convicted, the charges could bring up to 20 years in prison.