Kingsport’s Former Community Development Program Coordinator Indicted
Mark Haga had a conflict of interest in funding home repair projects
The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has completed an investigation that has resulted in the indictment of Mark Haga, the City of Kingsport’s former community development program coordinator. The investigation was done in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General.
Haga was responsible for coordinating a program to fund home repair projects for Kingsport residents with low and moderate incomes. These projects were primarily funded through an annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the federal government.
Investigators determined that Haga had a conflict of interest when he awarded contracts to his brother-in-law’s construction company to perform home repair projects totaling $731,940 between March 2008 and January 2020. Haga’s brother-in-law was awarded contracts for 105 projects during that time. All of the city’s payments to Haga’s brother-in-law were for $15,000 or less which allowed Haga to solely select a contractor without thorough review, formal quotes, or sealed bids by the city’s procurement department.
Additionally, Haga authorized home repairs to his sister-in-law’s residence for two projects totaling $18,100. Haga’s brother-in-law (the sister-in-law’s brother) performed the work on both projects.
These conflicts of interest exist as defined under both Tennessee state law and federal guidance issued for the Code of Federal Regulations.
The investigation further revealed that Haga’s executive secretary had a conflict of interest when the city paid for home repairs on both her personal and her daughter’s residences totaling $59,976.18. Furthermore, neither the executive secretary nor her daughter owned their homes when they received the majority of the repairs. Home ownership is an eligibility requirement for the program. Haga approved most the repairs for these projects without requiring proof of ownership.
Mark Haga resigned from his position effective January 31, 2020. On February 24, 2021, the Sullivan County Grand Jury indicted Mark Haga on 20 counts of official misconduct.
“As part of this investigation, it became clear the City of Kingsport needed to improve its oversight and documentation procedures,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “I am pleased to note that city officials indicate they have corrected or intend to correct those deficiencies.”
To view the investigative report, go to: https://comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/investigations/find.html
If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of public money in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at 800.232.5454, or file a report online at: tncot.cc/fraud. Follow us on twitter @TNCOT and Instagram @tncot
Media contact: John Dunn, Director of Communications, 615.401.7755 or john.dunn@cot.tn.gov
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