FERNDALE, Mich. – The director of the housing commission in the city of Ferndale could be facing criminal charges after being accused of stealing prescription pills from apartments.
On Monday, the Oakland County's Narcotics Enforcement Team made an arrest at the Whittington West apartments. It was Deborah Wilson, the executive director of the Ferndale Housing Commission. Sources said she's accused of illegally entering at least one apartment there and stealing the painkiller Percocet.
Wilson was arrested at her office in the building, where investigators carried out a search warrant.
In 2013, Wilson talked to the Ferndale City Council about its mission: It uses federal Housing and Urban Development money to supply 168 houses and apartments to low income tenants. Whittington West has 70 units for the elderly and disabled. Sources said Wilson is being investigated over allegations that she unlawfully entered several apartments.
A family member told Local 4 that Wilson has been receiving radiation treatments for cancer.
She has retained an attorney, Jack Jaffe, who said he has yet to receive the details of the police allegations.
"She appears to be a very decent person. She's been married for over 30 years and has been part of the community for a long time. She has made a commitment to the community that has been recognized," said Jaffe.
Wilson is a past president of two statewide organizations involved in low-income housing.