Citrus Health Network Housing Director Thomas Jardon Accused of Stealing $1.2 Million from Homeless Trust

Thomas Jardon, director of housing for Citrus Health Network, faces charges of stealing $1.2 million in public funds from the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. Authorities arrested Jardon, and he is currently held on a $700,000 bond.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle announced Jardon’s arrest during a news conference Wednesday night. Rundle stated that Jardon allegedly orchestrated an elaborate scheme over a three-year period, creating five fake companies and drafting bogus leases to collect payouts from the county. This occurred while the organization's mission was to house homeless individuals.

The alleged fraud came to light late last year after an employee at Citrus Health raised concerns. Ron Book, chairman of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, confirmed that the Trust alerted Citrus Health Network to invoicing irregularities. This prompted Citrus Health to conduct an internal review and subsequently report the matter to authorities.

Rundle highlighted the stark contrast between Jardon's alleged actions and the community's needs, noting, "While our homeless people were sleeping on the street, he had four new automobile purchases." Citrus Health Network conducted its own review and self-reported the findings to the Inspector General’s Office, as soon as they discovered the problems.

Jardon's case will proceed through the courts, with further details expected as the legal process unfolds. The community awaits the outcome of these proceedings, which will determine the full extent of the alleged embezzlement and its impact on local homeless services.