A Richmond, Virginia, woman who operated a homeless shelter for women and children has been sentenced to three years in federal prison after defrauding a government-funded housing program of nearly $200,000.

Kia A. Player, 41, ran RVA Sister’s Keeper, an inclement weather shelter serving the Richmond metropolitan area. The nonprofit received more than $995,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of Richmond. Federal prosecutors said that between August 2022 and April 2023, Player fabricated and falsified at least 35 invoices to obtain reimbursement payments from the city.

According to court records, Player submitted at least 21 inflated invoices claiming the shelter paid a company identified as “VCM Catering Services” to provide meals. Prosecutors stated that no such business existed. Instead, Player arranged for a family member employed as a cafeteria manager at a Richmond public school to supply food. At times, the food had already been purchased with separate public funds and, in some cases, had expired.

Authorities said Player also falsified an invoice for roof repairs and retained the funds even though the shelter’s roof continued to leak. She submitted additional false documentation for laundry services, billing for ten occasions despite the vendor providing services only three times. Residents were reportedly given used blankets during the period in question.

The fraudulent activity resulted in $199,163 in losses to HUD and the City of Richmond. Prosecutors said Player used the diverted funds for personal expenses, including a tattoo, airline tickets, a luxury ferry ride in Miami Beach, furniture, and purchases at an antiques store.

Court filings indicate Player was experiencing financial difficulties before securing the nearly $1 million in shelter funding, with tax liens and a civil judgment filed against her before applying for the grant money. Federal authorities said the sentence reflects the seriousness of abusing public resources intended to serve vulnerable women and children.