Mobile Housing Authority Employee Charged With Embezzlement
By Dale Hines
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
September 23, 2026
MOBILE, AL. An investigation of theft at the Mobile Housing Authority has led to the arrest.
Ray Field Collins, 63, a now former employee of the authority, has been arrested by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, after they were asked to assist in a theft investigation.
Collins reportedly made $68,000 in unauthorized purchases, according to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.
He is charged with two counts of fraudulent credit card possession, first-degree theft of property, and two counts of position for personal gain, according to the court documents.
Collins had a heart issue for about two months before leaving the Housing Authority. During that time, any purchases made by Collins had to be approved by the finance department, according to MCSO.
“While those purchases were being reviewed, they found unauthorized monthly purchases occurring throughout the three-year timeframe of 2023 to 2025,” a spokesperson said.
Investigators said the unauthorized purchases included, but were not limited to, car parts, air conditioning units, grills, Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, flooring and other items not used in the repair or maintenance of low-income housing. MCSO said the purchases totaled an estimated $68,000.
The Mobile Housing Authority does not comment on any specifics regarding ongoing criminal matters. The Board of Commissioners and staff intend to ensure that every resource provided by HUD goes toward providing much needed housing within this community and will not tolerate any waste or theft. We are grateful for the swift and thorough investigation by Sheriff Burch, and his team said a statement from the Mobile Housing Authority.
Court records show Collins is scheduled to be in court on September 23, 2026. $40,000 bond.
Collins was released on a $40,000 bond.
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