Citrus Health Network Housing Director Accused in $1.2M Theft from Miami-Dade Homeless Trust

Miami-Dade authorities arrested Thomas Jardon, the former housing director for Citrus Health Network, on charges he stole over $1.2 million from the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust. The funds, intended to house vulnerable individuals, allegedly financed a lavish lifestyle for Jardon, including designer clothes, artwork, and multiple vehicles.

This alleged fraud directly impacts the resources available for Miami-Dade's most vulnerable residents. The Miami-Dade Homeless Trust relies on organizations like Citrus Health Network to provide essential housing services. Any diversion of these funds means fewer people receive the help they need, straining an already critical system.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced the charges against Jardon at a news conference on Wednesday. Jardon faces charges including organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, identity theft, and engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity. An investigation revealed two separate schemes Jardon allegedly used to defraud the Homeless Trust.

One scheme involved Jardon locating properties and then creating bogus companies, including shell companies, to claim ownership or act as a rental agency. He then allegedly created fake leases and moved money through multiple accounts. Citrus Health Network, founded in 1979 by Mario Jardon, Thomas Jardon's father, provides mental health services and works with the Homeless Trust to house clients, receiving county reimbursements for its services.

The alleged fraud came to light after Citrus Health employees complained last year that Thomas Jardon was derelict in his duties and unresponsive to emails. A senior accountant at Citrus Health discovered a purchase of over $30,000 worth of Apple products using the company's Amazon account. Citrus Health performed an audit, discovered the thefts, and reported them to authorities. The organization fired Thomas Jardon in December 2025.

The legal proceedings against Thomas Jardon will continue in Miami-Dade courts. The community will watch closely as this case unfolds, hoping for accountability and a clear path forward to protect funds meant for those experiencing homelessness.